St Croix County Public Protection August 6th, 2026

The St. Croix County Public Protection Committee meeting, identified in the title as August 6, 2026, reviewed finances through June; most departments were within expected midyear revenue and expense levels, with the Medical Examiner’s office slightly over its expense benchmark, partly due to CT scanner issues. For the 2027 budget, the Medical Examiner requested a 0.5 FTE increase for its program coordinator/investigator, citing caseload growth and increased records and policy workload. The District Attorney’s office requested an additional legal assistant, noting that staffing has not increased since 2004 and that attorneys and administrative staff are absorbing support duties. Committee members expressed support for both requests and provided feedback for budget planning, but no motion or vote was taken; final inclusion remains subject to the county’s balancing process.

The Medical Examiner reported that a CT scanner component was replaced under warranty and that recent scans were successful. The office estimated 12 CT scans at about $6,300, compared with roughly $28,200 for 12 forensic autopsies and ancillary testing, and said it plans to resume referrals from other counties that generate revenue. The department also plans to require an in-person examination before authorizing cremation, changing its prior virtual-view process. No contract award, new purchase approval, or other procurement vote was identified. The annual jail inspection was deferred, and the committee adjourned after announcements about upcoming retirements.