KENOSHA, Wis. — In a sharp reversal driven by intense public backlash following Kenosha County Eye’s reporting, the Kenosha County Board voted Wednesday night to restore both a Victim-Witness Specialist and a paralegal to District Attorney Xavier Solis’s 2026 budget — just minutes before approving the full county budget for next year.
The turnabout came only a week after Supervisors Jeff Gentz, Daniel Gashke, Sarah Kirby, and Frederick Brookhouse voted in committee to block the positions, a decision that sparked immediate outrage from residents, victim advocates, and court staff.
Tonight, at the full County Board meeting, Supervisor Keith Gray introduced a motion to reinstate the amendment. In a notable shift, Supervisor Frederick Brookhouse — who had voted against the very same positions last week — seconded the motion, signaling a complete about-face.
The vote was overwhelming: every supervisor supported restoring the positions, with the sole exception of Supervisor Gabe Nudo, whose “no” was symbolic. Nudo said he supported the positions but wanted them made effective immediately, not delayed until April as the budget currently schedules.
Supervisors and county staff privately acknowledged that the outpouring of public criticism — driven largely by KCE readers — forced the rapid change. Residents flooded inboxes and phone lines demanding to know why the board would deny vital victim-service staffing, especially when the State reimburses part of the cost.
The amendment’s reinstatement ensures the DA’s Office will receive both a Victim-Witness Specialist, who helps guide victims through the court process, and a paralegal, needed to handle the increasing number of cases.
District Attorney Xavier Solis told KCE he was relieved by the board’s reversal and grateful for the community’s engagement.
“I’m grateful to the County Board for coming together tonight to support victims and support public safety. These positions will make a real difference for the people we serve every day.”
Immediately following the vote, the board adopted the full 2026 Kenosha County Budget, which County Executive Samantha Kerkman and County Board Chairman Monica Yuhas praised in a joint statement. The budget includes public-safety investments, infrastructure projects, and maintains the county’s financial stability while keeping the mill rate at $3.04 per $1,000.
Kerkman said the budget “meets the needs of Kenosha County” and keeps the county on track to retain its AAA bond rating. Yuhas called it a responsible plan that strengthens key services, including public safety.
The night’s outcome marked a full and unmistakable retreat from last week’s controversial committee vote — and a victory for victims and residents who demanded better from their elected leaders.
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25 Responses
Group photo of useless
If it ever winds up in a museum, it would simply be titled, “Epitome of Stupid.”
Thanks Kevin
You made it. Your victory!
Waste of tax money as usual.
As much as I can appreciate Brookhoyse and Gray reaching across the aisle, as good old men should, Nudo is right, here.
If he’s already working with fewer DA’s, then give him the support staff he needs.
This is an exceptionally lean budget, and when things don’t go the way they anticipate, it’s setting Kerkman’s replacement up for failure in 2026 or 27.
They can only do a reach around
americlowns love more government
You are an idiot. Shouldn’t a “retired millionaire” (bullshit) have something better to do, than constantly
making stupid comments here? Get a fucking life already.
Yup, just kicking back at my 86 acres resort, with five homes, two swimming pools, two animal sheds, and 175 fruit trees. I know you are jealous of my cool ass life. But just buy a copy of my great book, and it will teach you how you can do it too.
Animal sheds? As in antlers?
Useless idiots at their finest.
A pack of jack asses and their leader in her royal blue blazer. Self important jack asses.
Another victory to celebrate! Without your determination, the DA was never going to get that V&W specialist and the much-needed, efficient paralegal. This would have been dismissed outright, and the traditional, complacent Knews wouldn’t have even bothered to cover it in the first place. This shows just how corrupt they are. The moment you shed a little light with your article, they immediately backtrack on their unfounded decision. Excellent work, K-man truly impressive
I’m glad the people’s voices were heard last night! Thank you Kevin for letting our voices be heard and for reporting on what is going on in our court system.
Jerkman can’t even comb her hair. What a skank
Jerkman or Jerkwoman?
Apologies to skanks
Congratulations Keven, another victory for you and the KCE !! The Kenosha ( Associated Press ) News would never cover anything related to real news in Kenosha County. You and the KCE are worth every penny that your loyal readers pay to read every day. Thank you.
Awesome, happy to hear they reversed course. Would be nice if it was an immediate position like Nudo wanted. We had the position years ago …
If there was ever any doubt, we now know the model for getting elected officials / politicians / employees to cave. They are apparently unable to handle any type of criticism.
I knew Gabe before he went nuts .
I think y’all might need to rewatch the video. The positions are potentially effective after Finance determines how much money is leftover from the DA’s 2025 budget. And the positions are not “effective” in April 2026; it has to be approved by the board at that time.
As a resident of Kenosha County, I’m growing increasingly concerned about how taxpayer funds are being managed under the newly approved 2026 county budget — especially within the Public Works and Highway Department.
Over the past years, we’ve seen department heads brought in at top-of-scale pay, while long-term, hardworking employees some with over 20 years of service remain far below that level. To make matters worse, a new position was reportedly created for Highway Director Greg Boldt, resulting in a $7,000 salary increase. These decisions raise serious questions about transparency, priorities, and accountability in county leadership.
At several county meetings, when questions were raised about why patrol workers aren’t being paid at the top of their scale (even though budgeted for it), the response from leadership — including the County Executive and the Director of Public Works was that “you don’t want to be at top of scale; you need something to strive for.” This attitude is not only dismissive but deeply disrespectful to the employees who keep our roads safe and operations running year-round, in all conditions.
Meanwhile, workers continue to be blamed for the department’s high turnover rate, rather than the lack of fair compensation, benefits, and support. On top of that, reports have surfaced of an HR representative, Karen Terry, referring to a group of employees as the “farmer mafia” an unprofessional and inappropriate remark that should be addressed immediately.
Finally, another question remains: why are some county employees still allowed to work remotely? The lack of consistency in policies like this only widens the divide between office staff and field employees.
With all patrol and laborer positions budgeted at top-of-scale pay, yet not a single employee being paid at that level, the public deserves answers. Taxpayers have a right to know:
Why are management salaries being increased while the workforce falls behind?
Why is there no transparency about how salary scales are applied?
Why do some departments still have remote work privileges?
Kenosha County residents expect better. We value fairness, accountability, and respect for the people who serve our community every day. It’s time county leadership provides the transparency and integrity this budget was supposed to represent.
Let’s not forget the blind eye that was turned when the Highways Operations Superintendent spent 10 years stealing half of his salary.
Karen Terry, Clara Tappa, Shelly Billingsley, Greg Boldt, and Sam Kerkman were all aware that Jason Freitag was getting paid for a 40 hour salaried position, and working closer to 20-25 hours. This would have been easily verified by checking GPS records from his county vehicle. He’s making between $90-$100k per year, and although those in the most senior positions were aware this was happening, they did nothing to stop it. Two of our managers finally made enough noise and it stopped. Any other organization would have prosecuted him for this many years of time theft, yet—
He’s still collecting a salary from the taxpayers.
How much is this going to cost us now? Ugh.