Frequently Asked Questions

When this project was being considered, St. Croix County was the fastest-growing county in the state of Wisconsin. Our County remains one of the fastest-growing counties today. The information below was originally shared while the project was under consideration to help explain why additional space and improved facilities were needed.

In a population projection report from the Wisconsin Department of Administration (DOA) (page 19) they state that “St. Croix County is projected to be the fastest-growing county, in terms of percentage change, through 2040, increasing by 41% (from census data in 2010). As a component county of the Minneapolis-Saint Paul metropolitan area, it also ranked as Wisconsin’s top-growing county from 1980 to 2010.”

This report was created in December of 2013 using 2010 census data. If the DOA updates this report with 2020 census data, we will share that information.

The image of the table below is from the DOA report and shows fastest growing counties in Wisconsin by percent from 2010 to 2040. St. Croix County is the fastest growing county with a projected 41.1% change in population followed by Calumet County with a 31.1% change and Kenosha County with a 26% change.

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Three studies have been done on St. Croix County Government facilities since 2012.

A 2012 facilities planning study found the Government Center in Hudson to be in good condition and noted the growing needs of District Courts.

A 2019 Jail study determined that jail population projections will potentially increase at a rate consistent with the 10-year annual trend of just under 3%. Projecting out 5 years from the study (2024), the anticipated average daily population would be 146; at 10 years (2029) the average daily population would be 166; and at 15 years (2034) the average daily population would be 189.

A 2020-2021 masterplan study considered the data from the two previous studies and additional data from each department head. The department heads provided past staffing data, anticipated rate of growth, and outlined current space issues. The planning team then met with the departments to determine their current and future space needs. The result of the department interviews provided a space needs assessment used for the masterplans. Read the 2020-2021 Masterplan Study here.

A Government Center Building Subcommittee was formed in March of 2021 to discuss and review the need for an expansion of the St. Croix County Government Center in Hudson. The committee reviewed these previous studies, toured County facilities, and met with County employees to learn more about the space needs of the Government Center. After seven months of discussion, the subcommittee voted to recommend the project move forward to the Administration Committee meeting in January 2022 for consideration.

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County leaders began exploring this project in 2021, and the County Board approved an $80 million bond issue in March 2022 to fund an expansion and renovation of the Government Center in Hudson.

To fund the project, an increase to the County’s portion of property taxes was added during the 2023 tax year based on each property’s equalized value. The estimated initial annual increase at the time of consideration is shown below (per $100,000 of equalized value).

The information below was originally shared while the project was under consideration to help explain estimates cost. The actual cost came in below initial estimates.

It’s important to note that these figures represent maximum estimated impacts and do not factor in future growth. As St. Croix County continues to be one of the fastest-growing counties in Wisconsin, the cost is expected to be shared among more taxpayers, which will help reduce the individual burden over time.

Property taxes are determined by the County’s mill rate. St. Croix County’s mill rate has decreased every year since 2013.

While no one enjoys seeing property taxes rise, it’s important to remember that County taxes make up around 20% of the average property tax bill — meaning around 20 cents of every property tax dollar goes to essential County services such as 9-1-1 dispatch, the Sheriff’s Office, courts, and winter road maintenance. This expansion ensures those critical services can keep pace with the needs of our rapidly growing community.

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During the planning process, the team met with County representatives to review various expansion options. The options included a north expansion, a south expansion, both north and south expansions as well as a separate administration building. Building security, staff circulation, and inmate movement were considered in all options. The decision was made to pursue a north and south expansion.

The County did look into virtual working environments. Many County employees have the capability to work remotely if needed for flexibility. However, many of the services we offer the residents and visitors of St. Croix County are best served or can only be served in-person by having a physical presence in the Government Center Building.

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A Government Center Building Subcommittee was formed in March of 2021 to discuss and review the need for an expansion of the St. Croix County Government Center in Hudson. The committee reviewed previous studies, toured County facilities, met with County employees to learn more about the space needs of the Government Center. After seven months of discussion, the subcommittee voted to recommend the project move forward to the Administration Committee meeting in January 2022 for consideration. Below is a timeline of this project:

• November – December 2021:Held public open houses for residents of the County to learn more about this project from County employees and representatives.
  • November 10, 2021 Open House
  • December 8, 2021 Open House
• December 2021: The plan was presented at the County Board of Supervisors Meeting on December 7.
• January 2022: The proposal was brought in front of the Administration Committee. The Committee recommended the County Board review the proposal for consideration.
• February 2022: Although the majority of the County Board voted in favor of the Government Center Expansion Project at the February County Board Meeting, the bond issue for the project did not receive the required three quarters vote to pass. This project was modified to address the feedback from the County Board. The modified project was reviewed at the February Administration Committee meeting.
• March 2022: The County Board voted to approve funding for this project.

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You can find more information on the Government Center Expansion web page. If you have questions that are not answered on this page or in these FAQs, email St. Croix County's Public Information Officer.

Back to the Government Center Expansion page.