Budget
St. Croix County is dedicated to responsible financial management, overseeing a budget of over $120 million and a team of more than 650 dedicated employees. The County’s budget focuses on the priorities established by the County Board, ensuring that your tax dollars are allocated where they matter most.
Each year the County Administrator and Finance Director work with County leadership to create a balanced budget to bring forward to the County Board for consideration. The process begins in March and finishes in November with the adoption of the County Board of Supervisors Budget Resolution.
2024 Recommended Budget Highlights
The County Administrator's Recommended Budget for 2024 is a landmark achievement in St. Croix County's financial history. This budget not only underscores our commitment to responsible fiscal management but also reflects our dedication to addressing the evolving needs of our growing community.
The 2024 County Administrator's Recommended Budget is set to create a mill rate that stands as the lowest in St. Croix County's recorded history, tracing back to the early 1970s. This historic achievement has been made possible through a combination of factors, including:
- New Growth: The County has experienced substantial residential, commercial, and industrial growth.
- Appreciating Property Values: Property values in the County have appreciated, contributing to a healthier financial outlook.
- Conservative Spending: Together with the net growth and appreciating property values, our prudent fiscal management and conservative spending patterns have played a pivotal role in achieving this historic mill rate.
This budget takes significant steps toward meeting the most pressing service needs in the County. Despite the 2023 Public Safety Referendum not passing, we have managed to address vital public protection needs, thanks in part to additional shared revenues from the State.
St. Croix County continues to be a leader in growth in the State, with Net New Construction up by 2.73%, ranking us third in the state. Our population has seen remarkable growth, estimated at 97,347 residents, solidifying our position as one of Wisconsin's fastest-growing counties.
Did you know that St. Croix County boasts the 8th lowest levy rate in the state, and this rate continues to decrease?
Our Aa1 bond rating and strong fund balance are testaments to our excellent financial health and sound fiscal policy decisions. The County is dedicated to responsible financial management, and transparency of the budget. You can learn more in the 2024 Recommended Budget below.
2024 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) Budget Process
| Action | Complete By |
|---|---|
| Capital Project Request for 2028 and Requested changes to Years 2024-2027 due to Finance Director | May 5 |
| CIP Team Reviews and Recommends to County Administrator | May 26 |
| Departments Report to Committees/Boards CIP Request | June |
| County Administrator Reviews with CIP Team and Makes Final Recommendation | July |
| Resolution Approving CIP Projects | August/September |
2024 Operating Budget Process
| Action | Complete By |
|---|---|
| COTW - Department Presentations on Future Budget Impacts | April 12 |
| Administration Committee Recommends Budget Priorities | April 18 |
| County Board Adopts Budget Priorities | May 2 |
| New Position Request due to HR Director | June 15 |
| Department Draft Budgets Distribution to Department Heads | June 30 |
| Department Heads Initial Budget Request entered in system | July 31 |
| County Administrator/Finance Director Reviews Department Budgets with Department Heads | August/September |
| Committees/Boards Review Draft Department Budgets | September |
| County Administrator Presents Preliminary Budget to Admin Committee Final Review & Recommendation Publication. Notice to Newspapers. COTW Budget Presentation | October |
| County Board, Public Hearing and Adoption of Budget | November 7 |