The resolution to downsize and redistrict the Dane County Board of Supervisors received enormous opposition and was ultimately denied during a Thursday meeting.

The board currently has 37 members, but a proposal from Sup. Dave de Felice, District 16, would have reduced the number to 19. Additionally, it would require complete reassignment of districts throughout Dane County.

"The national average for county boards runs from eight to 15 members," de Felice said. "We have one of the largest boards in the entire country, and I think a smaller group will facilitate cooperation."

De Felice said he urged Gov. Jim Doyle to sign legislation last year that would allow all county boards to reduce their number of members every 10 years. Despite Doyle's support, many members of the board strongly opposed de Felice's resolution.

But Sup. Don Eggert, District 23, said the current members on the board bring intense debate on issues, something necessary for the community.

"I don't care how many members are on the board. There is still going to be that heated debate because we're here to do the best job we can," Eggert said.

De Felice, though, expresses his concern with the current board size. Each supervisor receives a yearly salary of $7,000, and cutting board membership would save the county more than $126,000, de Felice said.

"I know it is not a lot of money, but at a time we're telling everyone to do more with less, $126,000 could do some good," he said.

But Eggert argued smaller districts allow personal relationships to foster among constituents and supervisors and is worth the higher cost. Additionally, he said that campaigning costs would skyrocket due to an increased and more widespread voting base.

"If we cut this board down, we can't knock on people's doors," he said. "The $10 check just won't matter anymore."

Sup. Al Matano, District 11, agreed smaller districts equal more personable representation and said that a smaller board does not necessarily mean increased cooperation.

Larger districts also mean fewer people having the will — or, more importantly, the time — to run for the board, Matano said, possibly leading to a professional body rather than a citizen legislature.

Matano added that with fewer members on the board and twice as much work to do, individual salaries might increase and essentially cost the county more money.

"The question is, do we want a professional legislature or a citizen legislature?" Matano asked. "Personally, I'm really quite proud to be on this board. We are well disciplined and get along well."

But de Felice said the cut would be a big step, since the last membership cut only resulted in the elimination of two seats. The next opportunity to downsize will not come until 2011, he added.

"Our individual importance is only diminished by our size," de Felice said. "If we have the opportunity to do this, we should do it right now."