St Croix County Committee of the Whole October 8th, 2026

The St. Croix County Committee of the Whole held a 2027 budget review on October 8, 2026. The county administrator presented a balanced recommended budget, with adoption and tax-levy action expected at the November public hearing. The presentation covered revenues, staffing, compensation, operating costs, and debt. The budget provides a 4% cost-of-living adjustment and step increases, and adds 7.15 FTE while eliminating 8.1 FTE, for a net reduction of about 0.95 FTE. The county expects 2027 debt-service payments of $10.8 million; the discussion also noted a proposed $50 million jail project beginning in 2028 and future debt for a communications-tower project. The county board had approved initial authorizing resolutions for planned bond issues the prior evening. No vendor award or new procurement contract was approved at this meeting; officials did discuss rising software and service costs, including a five-year law-enforcement software contract and efforts to negotiate annual increases down from 5% to 3% on some contracts.

Public comment urged additional staffing capacity for land and water conservation. Staff described planned conservation programs, including cost-sharing for reverse-osmosis systems and best management practices, and said two conservation technicians were expected to start soon. A motion was made and seconded to amend the recommended budget by applying $160,000 of fund balance—$100,000 for land-conservation cost sharing and $60,000 for reverse-osmosis grants—but the transcript does not capture a vote or final disposition. The meeting also discussed holding a previously earmarked $500,000 for conservation initiatives for use over several years; a broader allocation plan was expected to return to the county board for approval.