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Committee reviews $70M-plus KIP and a potential $67.5M bond tied to jail expansion
Summary
The committee reviewed the county 2027–2031 capital-improvement plan, highlighting facilities and IT needs and elements tied to a proposed jail expansion. If the KIP proceeds as drafted, staff estimate a roughly $67.5 million bond issue would be required, and administrators flagged long-term negative KIP balances without additional revenue.
Dustin presented the St. Croix County 2027–2031 Capital Improvement Plan (KIP) items overseen by the administration committee, focusing on facilities, information technology and clerk-of‑court equipment. The draft plan includes routine maintenance (HVAC, parking-lot sealing, security hardware), courtroom remodeling for a potential fifth judge and several components tied to a proposed jail expansion (driveway replacement, roof, carpet removal).
Dustin said the 2027 column of the draft plan shows roughly $70 million in countywide projects; roughly $3 million falls under the administration committee’s purview and approximately $67.5 million in bond-funded projects would be needed if the full plan is carried forward. He warned the KIP forecast shows negative balances several years out and that staff are seeking new revenues or re-prioritization to avoid borrowing at the full projected level.
Committee members asked about timing, the construction‑cost outlook and whether delaying issuance by a year would materially reduce borrowing costs. County staff said delaying may modestly reduce the annual debt service because of scheduled step‑downs in existing debt but also carries construction‑cost and inflation risk; the administrator noted that a multi‑year lead time (roughly three years) is typical from approval to occupancy for a jail expansion and recommended planning accordingly.
No final committee vote on the KIP bonding plan was taken; staff said the draft will go to the committee of the whole in July and return for final budget action in November.
