★ St. Croix County ★

Summary: RESOLUTION AMENDING THE RULES OF THE BOARD OF
SUPERVISORS

1 WHEREAS, it is one of the Administration Committee's responsibilities to recommend
2 changes to the Rules of the Board of Supervisors; and
3
4 WHEREAS, the Administration Committee has reviewed and recommends that
5 amendments be made to the Rules.
6
7 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the St. Croix County Board of
8 Supervisors that the attached amendments to the Rules of the Board of Supervisors of St. Croix
9 County, Wisconsin are hereby adopted.
10
11 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED by the St. Croix County Board of Supervisors that the
12 amendments to the Rules of the Board of Supervisors attached hereto are effective immediately.

Administration Committee Recommended
MOVER: Bob Feidler
SECONDER: Ryan Sherley
AYES: Paul Berning, Scott Counter, Bob Feidler, Ryan Sherley
EXCUSED: None

St. Croix County Board of Supervisors Action:
This Resolution was ADOPTED by the St. Croix County Board of Supervisors on March 4, 2025

___________________________________ ___________________________________
Bob Long, County Board Chair Christine Hines, County Clerk

BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

ST. CROIX COUNTY
WISCONSIN

Originally Adopted on March 10, 1992

Restated on March 7, 2023

Effective March 47, 20253

INTRODUCTION .............................................................................................................................1
ARTICLE ONE - BOARD OF SUPERVISORS ..............................................................................2
ARTICLE TWO - OFFICERS ..........................................................................................................8
ARTICLE THREE - MEETINGS OF THE COUNTY BOARD...................................................11
ARTICLE FOUR - COUNTY BOARD STANDING COMMITTEES ..........................................17
ARTICLE FIVE - OTHER COMMITTEES AND GOVERNMENTAL BODIES.......................26
ARTICLE SIX - ORGANIZATIONS AND AGENCIES WITH COUNTY BOARD
REPRESENTATION ..........................................................................................................32
ARTICLE SEVEN - AMENDMENT OF RULES .........................................................................35

INTRODUCTION
St. Croix County is a body corporate of the State of Wisconsin. On April 1, 2004, it became a self-
organized county pursuant to Wisconsin Statute § 59.10 (intro). The county seat is located at 1101
Carmichael Road, Hudson, Wisconsin. St. Croix County exercises its powers through the Board of
Supervisors.
St. Croix County government provides services that promote the safety, health and welfare of our
citizens and other public entities, through innovation and cooperation in a fiscally responsible and
accessible manner.
This restatement to the Rules shall be effective March 47, 20253.

1
March 47, 20253

BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

Section A. Designation. The Board of Supervisors shall be referred to hereinafter as the "County
Board."

Section B. Role. The role of the County Board is to set the strategic mission and priorities for the
County, establish the general policies by which the County is guided in its management of County
affairs, consider and act upon resolutions and ordinances, provide financial oversight and build
community relationships in support of the mission and priorities. The County Board selects the
County Administrator and monitors and assesses the County Administrator's management of the
daily operations and implementation of policy.

Section C. Powers. The County Board may exercise any of the powers conferred on it by the laws
of the State of Wisconsin and in accordance with these Rules.

Section D. Definitions.

1. County Board Chair. The County Board Chair is referred to throughout these Rules as
the "Board Chair."

2. Standing Committees. Under these Rules, Standing Committees are the Health and
Human Services Board, Administration Committee, Community Development Committee,
Public Protection and Judiciary Committee, and Transportation Committee.

3. Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised. In all matters not specifically provided for in these
Rules, Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised, and all subsequent editions thereof, shall
govern in all matters in which they are applicable, and shall be referred to throughout these
Rules as "Robert's Rules."

Section E. Committee of the Whole.

1. Definition and Purpose. The Committee of the Whole is a device in which a legislative
body, such as the County Board, is considered one large committee. All members of the
legislative body are members of such a committee.

Under Robert's Rules, when an assembly (i.e. legislative body) has to consider a subject
which it does not wish to refer to a committee, and yet where the subject matter is not well-
understood and put into proper form for its definite action, or when, for any other reason, it
is desirable for the assembly to consider a subject with all the freedom of an ordinary
committee, it is the practice to refer the matter to the "Committee of the Whole."

2
March 47, 20253

any reason deemed appropriate by the party having the authority to call a meeting of the
Committee of the Whole. Matters appropriate for a meeting of the Committee of the Whole
will generally involve issues having a county-wide impact.

2. Causing a Meeting of the Committee of the Whole. Meetings of the Committee of the Whole
shall be at the call of the Board Chair or at the call of the County Board Vice-Chair or caused
to occur by means of a motion to refer the matter to the Committee of the Whole in an action
taken during a meeting of the County Board.

3. Scheduling of the Meeting. When a meeting of the Committee of the Whole is caused to
occur as provided in Article One, Section E. 2., then the Board Chair or in the Board Chair's
absence, the Vice-Chair, shall take steps to schedule the meeting as soon as shall be
practical.
4. Presiding Officer. While the Chair of the Board may serve as the Chair of the Committee of
the Whole, it is the custom of this County to have the Vice-Chair serve as the presiding
officer.
5. Quorum. A quorum of the Committee of the Whole is the same as that of the County Board.
6. Actions of this Committee. The Committee of the Whole may make and present
recommendations by informal resolutions (meaning the resolutions need not be reviewed
by legal, finance and administration) to the County Board or a Standing Committee. Minutes
are to be taken of the meetings of the Committee of the Whole in a manner similar to minutes
of Standing Committee meetings.
Section F. Supervisory Districts and Terms. The County Board shall be comprised of one
Supervisor from each of the 19 supervisory districts within the County. Supervisors shall be elected
at the election to be held the first Tuesday in April in even-numbered years and shall take office on
the third Tuesday in April in even-numbered years. The County Board of Supervisors shall serve a
two year term expiring on the third Tuesday in April.

District 1 District 11
Town of Somerset Wards 1 & 2 Town of Stanton Ward 2
Town of Star Prairie Ward 4 Town of Star Prairie Wards 1, 2, 3, 5, 6
Village of Somerset Wards 1-4 Village of Star Prairie Ward 1
City of New Richmond Ward 3
District 2 District 12
Town of St. Joseph Wards 1-3 City of New Richmond Wards 1, 2, 4, 5, 7
Town of Somerset Wards 3-6
District 3 District 13
Town of Hudson Wards 3-6 City of New Richmond Wards 6, 8, 9, 10, 11,
Town of Richmond Ward 3 12
Town of St. Joseph Wards 4-6

District 4 District 14
Town of Hudson Wards 1 & 2 Town of Erin Prairie Ward 1
Village of North Hudson Wards 1-6 3 Town of Richmond Wards 1, 2, 4, 5, 6
Town of Warren Ward 1 March 47, 20253

City of Hudson Wards 1 & 2, 9 &10 Town of Kinnickinnic Wards 1 & 3
Town of Pleasant Valley Ward 1
Town of Warren Wards 2 & 3
Village of Roberts Wards 1-4

District 6 District 16
City of Hudson Wards 5 & 6, 11 & 12 Town of Hammond Wards 1-3
Town of Rush River Ward 1
Village of Hammond Wards 1-4
District 7 District 17
City of Hudson Wards 3 & 4, 7 & 8 Town of Cylon Ward 1
Town of Emerald Ward 1
Town of Forest Ward 1
Town of Glenwood Ward 1
Town of Stanton Ward 1
Village of Deer Park Ward 1
City of Glenwood City Wards 1 & 2
District 8 District 18
Town of Hudson Wards 7-14 Town of Baldwin Ward 2
Village of Baldwin Wards 1-6
District 9 District 19
Town of Troy Wards 1-6 Town of Baldwin Ward 1
Town of Cady Ward 1
Town of Eau Galle Wards 1 & 2
Town of Springfield Ward 1
Village of Spring Valley Ward 3
Village of Wilson Ward 1
Village of Woodville Wards 1 & 2
District 10
Town of Kinnickinnic Ward 2
Town of Troy Wards 7 & 8
City of River Falls Wards 1-5

Section G. Absences, Vacancies and Removal.

1. Absences

a. Supervisors are expected to attend all County Board meetings and all Standing
Committee meetings to which they are assigned. If a Supervisor is unable to attend
a Board meeting, the Supervisor is expected to notify the Board Chair and/or the
County Clerk. If a Supervisor is unable to attend a Standing Committee, the
Supervisor is expected to notify the Standing Committee Chair and/or County Clerk.
Virtual attendance shall be allowed at the discretion of the Board Chair or Standing
Committee Chair as set forth in Article Three, Section A.7. The respective Chair

4
March 47, 20253

minutes of the meeting along with an indication of whether the absence was excused.

b. The Board Chair or Standing Committee Chair will direct that a roll call or other
action is taken to record the names of the Supervisors in attendance at a meeting.

c. The County Clerk will track and keep record of County Board meeting absences.
The Standing Committee Chair will report the name of any Supervisor who
accumulates three or more unexcused absences or five total absences within the first
12 months of their term and/or three or more unexcused absences or five total
absences within the second 12 months of their term from properly noticed Standing
Committee meetings to the County Clerk who shall keep a record of such absences.

d. The County Board may, consistent with the requirements of Wisconsin Statute Ch.
17, take whatever action it deems appropriate, including removal, with respect to a
person who has three or more unexcused absences or five total absences from a
County Board meeting or three or more unexcused absences or five total absences
from a Standing Committee meeting within the first 12 months of their term and/or
or three or more unexcused absences or five total absences from a County Board or
Standing Committee meeting within the second 12 months of their term.

2. Removal

a. Any member of the County Board, subunit or other governmental body of the
County may be removed for cause by the County Board as provided in Wisconsin
Statutes §§ 17.10 and 17.16.

b. The Standing Committee Chair has the responsibility to lead the work of the
committee and to assure that each committee member is actively engaged. Upon
determining that an individual committee member is not engaged due to failure to
attend committee activities, the Standing Committee Chair may recommend to the
appointing authority removal of the committee member from said committee. The
appointing authority will notify the committee member of the recommended
removal. Upon consultation with the committee member, the appointing authority
may recommend removal to the County Board, which may take action on the
removal.

3. Vacancies
a. If a vacancy occurs on the County Board, the Board Chair shall seek candidates and
recommendations for candidates in the district in which the vacancy exists by
publishing a notice of the vacancy in a newspaper likely to inform residents in the
district and by providing notice of the vacancy to the mayor of any city, the president

5
March 47, 20253

exists.

b. Pursuant to Wisconsin Statute § 59.10(3)(e), the Chair, with the approval of the
County Board, shall appoint a person who is a qualified elector and resident of the
supervisory district to fill the vacancy. The successor shall serve for the unexpired
portion of the term to which the person is appointed.

c. In the event the Board Chair does not forward a candidate to the County Board to
fill the unexpired term within 70 days of a vacancy, the Board Chair shall explain to
the County Board why no candidate has been brought to their attention for approval.1

Section H. Compensation of Supervisors. Compensation for Supervisors shall be set by a
resolution of the County Board. The resolution must be adopted prior to the earliest date on which
nomination papers may be circulated for a County Board seat for the succeeding term. Supervisors
shall also be entitled to per diem, mileage and expense reimbursement related to County business.
Any out-of-county expenses require pre-approval by the Board Chair.

Section I. Definition and Compensation of Citizen Members. A citizen member is defined as
any person appointed to any board, committee, subunit or other governmental body of St. Croix
County who is not an elected member of the County Board. Citizen members of any board,
committee, subunit or other governmental body are entitled to receive per diems and mileage for
meetings attended in the same amount and at the same rates as Supervisors receive for attending
County meetings. Citizen members of any board, committee, subunit or other governmental body
shall be provided the Rules and Bylaws of the Board of Supervisors and shall comply with all
provisions applicable to them.

Section J. Compensation, Per Diem, Mileage and Expense Reimbursement. Refer to the
County's Compensation, Per Diem, Mileage and Expense Reimbursement Policy.

Section K. County Website and Official Directory. Supervisors shall choose what information
is released about them on the St. Croix County Website and Official Directory. A Supervisor may
choose to use the Government Center address, phone number, or his/her own personal information.
A form will be provided for each Supervisor to indicate his/her choices. Each Supervisor shall be
assigned a County-issued email address by district number for County business related matters.

Supervisors should be aware that as a public official, personal contact information will be provided
according to Wisconsin public records laws upon request.

1 Unless otherwise noted in this document, day or days are defined as calendar days.
6
March 47, 20253

purposes and limited duration. The County Administrator shall appoint the members of ad hoc
committees with County Board confirmation. Supervisor members of ad hoc committees shall be
entitled to per diems and expense reimbursement as set forth in Article One, Section H.

7
March 47, 20253

OFFICERS

Section A. Officers; Election. The officers of the County Board shall consist of a Chair and a
Vice-Chair. Both officers shall be elected by the County Board at the County Board's first meeting
on the third Tuesday in April in even-numbered years. Any Supervisor may make a motion for the
election to be by secret ballot. A candidate for either office shall be nominated by another
Supervisor. At the close of nominations, each nominee for Chair shall be entitled to address the
County Board and Supervisors may ask the nominee for Chair questions related to the candidacy.

If no candidate receives a majority on the first vote, the candidate with the fewest votes shall be
dropped from the ballot. A second vote will be taken on the remaining candidates. If no candidate
receives a majority on the second vote, again the candidate with the fewest votes shall be dropped
from the ballot. A third vote will be taken on the remaining candidates and the candidate with the
most votes after this election shall be declared the Chair of the County Board.

The above process shall be conducted if there is a contested election for Vice Chair of the County
Board.

Section B. Term. The term of office for the Chair and the Vice-Chair shall be two years from the
time they take office, which is the third Tuesday in April in even-numbered years.

Section C. Powers and Duties of the Board Chair. The Board Chair shall exercise the powers
and perform the duties described in these Rules, those assigned by the Board, those prescribed by
Robert's Rules, in cases to which they are applicable, and those which are normally ascribed to the
office.

1. Sets the agenda and conducts County Board Meetings in accordance with Article Three.

2. Mandatorily by statute, or customarily, attends meetings of the following organizations and
agencies to provide County Board representation. The Board Chair may appoint a designee
to attend a mandatory or customary meeting. Mileage and per diems will be paid for
attendance at both customary and mandatory meetings.

a. Mandatory Meetings
1) Tax Incremental District Joint Review Board

2) District Board Appointment Committee of the Northwood Technical
College

3) District Board Appointment Committee of the Chippewa Valley Technical
College (CVTC)

8
March 47, 20253

Consortium

5) Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC)

b. Customary Meetings

1) Chair/Member - Committee of the Whole

2) Member of one, but not more than two, Standing Committees

3) County/City - Attends meetings with municipal and county officials

4) Towns Association

5) Wisconsin Counties Association

6) Community Justice Collaborating Council

3. Other duties of the Board Chair include the following:

a. Seeks candidates for vacant districts.

b. Appoints, with the approval of the County Board, a qualified elector and resident
of the supervisory district in which a vacancy exists. Wisconsin Statute §
59.10(3)(e) applies to filling vacancies on the County Board.

c. Authorizes County Board Supervisor attendance for compensation at a meeting for
which a Supervisor is not a member.

d. Calls meetings of the Committee of the Whole.

e. Directs the County Clerk or designee to be the Convener of the initial Standing
Committee meeting to conduct the initial meeting of the Standing Committee until
its chair is selected.

f. Acts as a voting member, if a quorum is not otherwise present, for a Standing
Committee or for the Council on Aging and Disabilities.

g. May change the County Board meeting dates and times, if necessary.

9
March 47, 20253

agendas as otherwise set forth in these Rules.

i. Directs the County Clerk on what items are to appear on the County Board agendas.

4. The Board Chair shall not chair a Standing Committee.

Section D. Powers and Duties of the Vice-Chair. The County Board Vice-Chair shall exercise
the powers and perform the duties described in these Rules, those assigned by the Board Chair,
those prescribed by Robert's Rules, in cases to which they are applicable, and those which are
normally ascribed to the office, which include:

1. Acts as Chair during the temporary absence or incapacity of the Chair or when it is necessary
for the Chair to temporarily vacate the seat.

2. Customarily serves as Chair of the Committee of the Whole.

3. If the Board Chair is unavailable, acts as a voting member if a quorum is not otherwise
present for a Standing Committee or for the Council on Aging and Disabilities.

4. Performs such other duties as may be reasonably assigned by the Board Chair.

Section E. Permanent Absence.

1. Board Chair. In the event the position of Board Chair is vacant due to removal, resignation
or death of the incumbent, the Board shall hold an election to fill the position of Board Chair
within 70 days of it becoming vacant. The County Board Vice-Chair shall assume all duties
of the Board Chair when such position is vacant and shall be paid compensation as the Board
Chair would otherwise be entitled until such time as the County Board elects a successor.

2. County Board Vice-Chair. In the event the position of Board Vice-Chair is vacant due to
removal, resignation, or death of the incumbent the Board shall hold an election to fill the
position of Board Vice-Chair within 70 days of it becoming vacant.

Section F. Chair Pro tem. If both the Chair and Vice-Chair are absent from a County Board or
Committee of the Whole meeting, the Chair shall appoint a Chair pro tem to conduct the meeting,
and if no such Chair pro tem has been appointed, the County Board or Committee of the Whole
shall elect a Chair pro tem to conduct the meeting.

10
March 47, 20253

MEETINGS OF THE COUNTY BOARD

Section A. Meeting Place, Dates and Times. County Board meetings shall be held as follows:

1. Regular Meeting Dates and Times. The County Board shall hold its regular meetings at the
St. Croix County Government Center, 1101 Carmichael Road, Hudson, Wisconsin, the first
Tuesday of each month except for the Organizational Meeting which is to be held at the
date described below. The meetings shall begin at 5:00 p.m.

2. Annual Meeting. The annual meeting of the County Board, required by Wisconsin Statute
§ 59.11(1), shall be held as part of the regular meeting in October or November as
determined by the County Board.

3. Orientation Session. An orientation session is customarily held for all incumbent and newly
elected Supervisors after the even-year April elections and prior to the even-year April
Organizational meeting. No County business is taken up at this session. Incumbent and
newly elected Supervisors are entitled to per diem and mileage for this session.

4. Organizational Meeting. The Organizational Meeting is held the third Tuesday of April at
8:30 a.m. in even numbered years following the spring election. The County Administrator
shall act as the Convener of this Organizational Meeting until the Board elects a Chair. The
Board elects the Chair and Vice-Chair and confirms the County Administrator's
appointments to the Health and Human Services Board. Any other County business before
the County Board is handled as it would be at any other regular meeting.

5. Special Meetings. Special meetings may be called in accordance with Wisconsin Statute §
59.11 (2).

6. Physical Presence Necessary. Unless authorized under Article Three, Section A.7., each
Supervisor must be physically present at a County Board meeting to be "in attendance."

7. Virtual Attendance. Upon prior approval by the Board Chair, a Supervisor is permitted to
attend a Board meeting remotely and thereby exercise any responsibilities, authority, or
duties, including the right to vote, subject to available technology and all other applicable
laws and rules. With the exception of unforeseen circumstances, approval shall be requested
reasonably in advance of the meeting. This provision may be exercised by each Supervisor
no more than twice during the first 12 months of their term and twice during the second 12
months of their term. Supervisors are encouraged to attend meetings in person. Supervisors
appearing virtually are deemed physically present for all purposes.

11
March 47, 20253

1. The County Clerk shall act as Clerk of the County Board at all of the County Board's
regular, special, Committee of the Whole, or other meetings. Under the direction of the
Board Chair, the County Clerk creates the agenda for County Board meetings, keeps and
records true minutes of all the proceedings of the County Board in a format chosen by the
County Clerk, including all committee meetings, either personally or through the County
Clerk's appointee. The County Clerk publishes a certified copy of proceedings of County
Board meetings in one or more newspapers pursuant to Wisconsin Statute §59.14(2).
("Proceedings" means a brief, precise summary of every resolution adopted, ordinance
enacted or other action taken by the County Board). Copies of all agendas and minutes of
board meetings and committee meetings shall be filed in the County Clerk's office. The
County Clerk makes regular entries of the County Board's resolutions and decisions upon
all items and records the vote of each Supervisor on any items submitted to the County
Board. Publishes ordinances as provided in Wisconsin Statute § 59.14(1) and performs all
duties prescribed by law or required by the County Board in connection with its meetings
and transactions.

2. The County Clerk shall also be responsible for the clerical support of all other County
meetings for which agendas and minutes are traditionally required. The County Clerk may
delegate duties with respect to the preparation of committee agendas to a meeting organizer;
and may appoint a meeting organizer employee to record, prepare, and provide true minutes
of an assigned committee meeting. Meeting organizers shall work with Committee Chairs,
Department Heads, and administration staff to prepare agendas.

3. The County Clerk shall provide to all Supervisors at least seven days prior to the date of a
County Board meeting an agenda of items to come before the County Board. Matters of
urgency arising after the agenda has been provided to Supervisors may be added to the
agenda at the discretion of the Board Chair and the County Administrator. Notice of
additional items and, if applicable, the resolution, ordinance, and/or supporting documents
will be provided to the Supervisors as soon as practicable.

Section C. Agendas.

1. Agenda Items. The Board Chair determines the items on any County Board meeting agenda.

2. Additional Agenda Items. Additional agenda items may be added to the Board meeting
agenda following the procedures set forth in Article Three, Section D.7.

Section D. Procedures.

1. Following the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag, the roll call of the Supervisors shall be taken
and the names of those present and those absent shall be entered on the record. Ten

12
March 47, 20253

for the transaction of business.

2. The order of business on a County Board meeting agenda shall be as follows:

Call to Order
Invocation or Moment of Silence
Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag
Roll Call
Public Comment
Consent Agenda
1. Minutes of Previous Meeting
2. Date of Next Meeting
3. Rezonings
4. Alterations of County Supervisor District Lines Due to Annexations
5. Appointments
6. Approval of Amendments to Town Zoning Ordinances
7. Any other item deemed routine by the County Board Chair
Presentations or Recognitions
County Administrator's Report
Business Items
Annual Department Reports
Request for Future Agenda Items
County Clerk's Report of Correspondence
Announcements
Adjournment

The Board Chair may modify the order of business.

3. The Board Chair shall preserve County Board meeting order and decorum. The Board Chair
shall speak to points of order and decide questions of order. Such decisions are subject to
an appeal to the County Board. No Supervisor shall speak more than once on such appeal
except by leave of the Board. A majority vote of the Supervisors present shall overrule the
Board Chair.

4. Pursuant to Chapter 90 of the St. Croix County Code of Ordinances, no Supervisor may take
any official action at a County Board or Standing Committee meeting substantially affecting
a matter in which the Supervisor, a member of his or her immediate family, or organization
with which the Supervisor is associated, has a substantial financial interest.

5. Public comment guidelines for speaking are as follows:

13
March 47, 20253

Speakers shall remain civil and not engage in personal attacks of individuals. If the
item commented about is not on the agenda, Supervisors shall not discuss the item.
If the item is on the agenda, Supervisors may discuss the item when it comes up for
consideration.

b. Each speaker is limited to a maximum of three minutes in length or as announced
or modified by the Board Chair.

c. No further public comments will be allowed during the rest of the meeting unless
approved by the Board Chair whose decision may be appealed to the County Board
and which may be overturned by a majority vote.

d. A comment card shall be completed and given to the Board Chair who will call
speakers up one at a time, or as otherwise determined by the Board Chair.

e. If the comments are specific to an item being dealt with under a Public Hearing listed
on the agenda, the Board Chair will ask that the speaker to hold his or her comments
until the Public Hearing is called.

f. If comments are specific to an item listed on the agenda, the Board Chair may ask
the speaker to hold their comments until that item on the agenda is called.

g. The Board Chair shall have the discretion to limit the overall time of public comment
if necessary.

6. Minutes of County Board meetings shall be kept in accordance with Wisconsin Statute §
59.23(2)(a). Draft minutes shall be transcribed by the County Clerk. The County Clerk shall
provide copies of all draft meeting minutes to all Supervisors in their meeting packets. Upon
approval of the minutes, or approval of the minutes with changes, at the subsequent County
Board meeting, the minutes shall become official.

7. Every agenda item which comes before the County Board from a source other than a
Standing Committee may, at the discretion of the Board Chair, be placed on a future agenda
of the County Board, or it shall be referred to an appropriate Standing Committee by the
Board Chair. A Supervisor may request the addition of an agenda item at a County Board
meeting under "Future Agenda Items." If by the following County Board meeting, the
Board Chair has not placed the item on a future agenda, a Supervisor may make a motion
during "Future Agenda Items" to appeal the decision of the Board Chair to the County
Board, which by majority vote may overturn the decision of the Board Chair. The
Supervisor's motion shall specify the date in which the requested item shall appear on a
future agenda of either the County Board or Standing Committee. Every Standing
Committee shall report upon all items referred to it by the second meeting of the County

14
March 47, 20253

8. All petitions for highways and bridges shall be presented to the County Board at the annual
budget meeting.

9. Reports by County department heads shall be submitted in writing to the County Board
annually.

10. The Chair of a Standing Committee that proposes an original resolution or ordinance shall
verify the name and vote of each member on final consideration of such item thereon.

11. All questions shall be put to the County Board in the order they are moved, except privileged
questions.

12. Assuming there is a quorum, procedural rules of the County Board may be suspended by a
two-thirds vote of those Supervisors present.

Section E. Rules of Debate.

1. When any Supervisor wishes to speak in debate, or deliver any matter to the County Board,
the Supervisor shall address the Board Chair, confine the Supervisor's remarks to the
question under debate, and avoid making derogatory personal comments about others.

2. In all cases, the Board Chair shall recognize Supervisors in the order in which they have
sought recognition.

3. When a question is under debate, no motion shall be received, except a motion:

a. To adjourn (privileged).

b. To take a recess (privileged).

c. To lay on the table (privileged).

d. To call for the previous question.

e. To postpone to a time certain.

f. To refer to a standing or ad hoc committee.

g. To amend.

15
March 47, 20253

These motions shall have precedence in the order in which they are listed above.

4. A motion to adjourn, to take a recess, to lay on the table, and a call for the previous question,
shall be decided without debate.

5. When a motion is made, if clarification is necessary, it shall be stated by the Board Chair
prior to debate. If a question contains several points, any Supervisor may have it divided
into separate questions.

6. A Supervisor called to order by the Board Chair shall immediately relinquish the floor. The
Board Chair shall then clearly state the breach involved and then ask the County Board if
the Supervisor should be allowed to continue to speak. This question is not debatable

7. It shall be in order for any Supervisor voting on the prevailing side of a vote to move for a
reconsideration of that vote on the same day of the vote. A motion for reconsideration
having been put and lost, or not receiving a second, shall not be renewed.

Section F. Putting Questions and Voting. This section applies to both County Board and Standing
Committee meetings:

1. In a case where the result of a voice vote is in doubt, any Supervisor may call for a division
(a counted vote).

2. If a Supervisor must leave the meeting or misses a vote, the Supervisor shall be entitled to
record how they would have voted upon the Supervisor's return.

3. Any Supervisor may request a roll call vote. All votes involving the expenditure of funds
shall be by roll call vote.

4. No vote by proxy shall be allowed.

16
March 47, 20253

COUNTY BOARD STANDING COMMITTEES

Section A. Standing Committees.

1. Health and Human Services Board
2. Administration Committee
3. Community Development Committee
4. Public Protection and Judiciary Committee
5. Transportation Committee

Section B. Appointment of Standing Committees. Each Supervisor shall be appointed to at least
one Standing Committee as the case may be but shall not serve on more than two. No Supervisor
shall be the chair of more than one Standing Committee.

1. Health and Human Services (HHS) Board

a. Pursuant to Wisconsin Statute § 59.18(2)(c), the County Administrator appoints
members of all boards and commissions. All appointments to boards and
commissions by the County Administrator shall be subject to confirmation by the
County Board.

b. Members of the Health and Human Services Board shall be appointed by the County
Administrator and confirmed by the County Board at the organizational meeting in
April of even numbered years following the spring election pursuant to Wisconsin
Statute § 46.23(4)(b)2 and citizen members are appointed pursuant to Wisconsin
Statute § 251.03. Mid-term vacancies shall be appointed by the County
Administrator subject to County Board confirmation.

2. Administration, Community Development, Public Protection and Judiciary, and
Transportation Committees

a. Members of the Administration, Community Development, Public Protection and
Judiciary, and Transportation Committees shall be appointed by the Board Chair
within five working days after the organizational meeting.

Section C. Term of Office.

1. HHS Board. The term of office for each of the six Supervisor members of the HHS Board
shall be three years, arranged so that the terms of two Supervisor members shall expire each
year. If a Supervisor member is not re-elected to the County Board and the term he/she is
serving on the HHS Board does not expire in the year the County Board term begins, a

17
March 47, 20253

appointed to serve the remainder of the term. The term of office for each of the three citizen
members of the HHS Board shall be three years, commencing upon appointment at the April
County Board meeting, or as soon as possible thereafter, arranged so that the term of one
citizen member shall expire each year, pursuant to Wisconsin Statute § 46.23(4)(c). If HHS
Board members cannot be selected at the times described in this paragraph, current members
shall serve until successors are selected. Mid-term vacancies shall be appointed by the
County Administrator subject to County Board confirmation.

2. Administration, Community Development, Public Protection and Judiciary, and
Transportation Committees. The term of office of a member of a Standing Committee shall
be two years. The term of office shall commence upon appointment to the committee in
even numbered years following the April election. Any County Board Supervisor appointed
under Article One, Section G.3.b. to fulfill a vacancy shall be named to a Standing
Committee(s) by the Board Chair. The term of office of a member of a Standing Committee
ends when the Supervisor is no longer a member of the County Board or is not re-appointed
to the Standing Committee.

Section D. Membership Limitations. No County employee may serve as a member of a Standing
Committee.

Section E. Organization. Each Standing Committee shall self-organize and shall select its own
chair and vice-chair. The Board Chair shall, pursuant to Article Two, Section C.3.e., direct the
County Clerk or designee to be the Convener of the initial Standing Committee meeting and it is
the Convener with the assistance of the County Administrator who then sets the time, date, and
meeting agenda items for the initial meeting agenda. The Convener is to conduct the initial meeting
of the Standing Committee until its chair is selected.

Section F. Standing Committee Meetings.

1. A Standing Committee shall meet at such intervals as are necessary to discuss or act on
business. A majority of Standing Committee members shall constitute a quorum for the
transaction of business. If a quorum is not otherwise present, the Board Chair or Board Vice-
Chair may act as a voting member. Standing Committee meetings shall follow the rules
contained in Article Three, Section A. for County Board meetings except that the timeframe
for providing the agenda and packet materials will be provided to Supervisors as soon as
practicable and without unreasonable delay, but not less than 48 hours prior to the meeting.
In all matters not specifically provided for in these rules, Robert's Rules, shall govern in all
cases to which they are applicable.

2. Under the direction of the Standing Committee Chairs, the County Clerk or his/her designee
creates and publishes the agendas of all Standing Committee meetings as well as keeps and
records true minutes of all the proceedings in a format chosen by the County Clerk. The

18
March 47, 20253

of draft meeting minutes to all Standing Committee members in their meeting packets.
Copies of all Standing Committee agendas and approved minutes shall be filed in the
County Clerk's office and posted on the County's website and distributed to all Supervisors
and media that have requested the information.

3. Introduce and Process Legislation. The County Board and its Standing Committees may
exercise its powers by adopting resolutions and ordinances. County Board Supervisors
seeking to introduce resolutions or ordinances shall abide by the Resolution and Ordinance
Cover Sheet Drafting and Review Policy as feasible.

4. a. Agenda Items. The Standing Committee Chair determines the items on any meeting
agenda.

b. Individual Supervisors of a Standing Committee desiring to have an item placed on
a Standing Committee agenda shall voice the request at the Standing Committee
meeting under "Future Agenda Items." If the Standing Committee Chair refuses to
accept the agenda item for placement on a future agenda, the Supervisor may appeal
the decision to the Standing Committee members, which by majority vote may
overturn the decision of the Standing Committee Chair. If the appeal is successful,
the item shall be placed on a future agenda of the Standing Committee.

5. The public comment section of the agenda shall generally follow public comment protocol
for the County Board set forth in Article Three, Section D.5.

6. Meetings of a Standing Committee may be called in the following ways:

a. Upon notice by the Committee Chair provided pursuant to Wisconsin Statute §
19.84; or

b. Upon a written request of a majority of the members of the Standing Committee to
the Committee Chair. The Chair shall then give notice of the meeting in the manner
required in Article Four, Section F.6.a.

7. Virtual Attendance. Upon prior approval by the Standing Committee Chair, a Supervisor
may be permitted to attend a Standing Committee meeting remotely and thereby exercise
any responsibilities, authority, or duties, including the right to vote, subject to available
technology and all other applicable laws and rules. With the exception of unforeseen
circumstances, approval shall be requested reasonably in advance of the meeting. This
provision may be exercised by each Supervisor twice during the first 12 months of their
term and twice during the second 12 months of their term. Supervisors are encouraged to
attend meetings in person. Supervisors appearing virtually are deemed physically present
for all purposes.

19
March 47, 20253

The Chairs of the Standing Committees meeting jointly shall establish the meeting date and the
agenda and shall give notice of the meeting in the manner above. The Chairs shall, whenever
possible, schedule such a joint meeting to coincide with a regularly scheduled meeting of one of
the Standing Committees. The Chairs shall determine who will chair the joint meeting and such
other methods of procedures for the joint meeting. Disputes shall be resolved by the Board Chair.

Section H. Standing Committee Common Responsibilities.

1. Each Standing Committee may review and take action as necessary on the designated
department financial reports it receives.

2. Recommend resolutions and ordinances for consideration by the County Board.

3. Create subcommittees as deemed necessary. The Committee Chair shall appoint members
to subcommittees subject to approval by the Board Chair.

4. Serve as a Contact Committee as set forth in Articles Five and Six.

5. In cooperation with the County Administrator establish a process for handling unbudgeted
funding sources and/or expenditures that exceed the approved budget.

6. Provide policy direction for designated departments.

Section I. Standing Committee Structure, Assignments and Responsibilities.

1. Administration Committee.

a. Structure:
Members: 5 Supervisors
Term: 2-Years
Populated: Appointed by Board Chair

b. Assignments:

1) Designated Departments: Corporation Counsel; County Administrator;
County Clerk; County Treasurer; Facilities; Finance; Human Resources;
Information Technology; and Risk Management.

2) Contact Committee for: Hudson Area Intergovernmental Advisory Council;
Inspiring and Facilitating Library Success (IFLS Library System);
Wisconsin Counties Association.

20
March 47, 20253

1) Recommends budget and budget amendments to the County Board as set
forth in Wisconsin Statute § 65.90(5)(b).

2) Sells tax deeded land following the procedures in Wisconsin Statutes §§
75.35 and 75.69.

3) Approves or disallows contingency fund requests pursuant to the Fund
Balance Policy.

4) Reviews and forwards the County Administrator's budget to the County
Board pursuant to Wisconsin Statute § 59.18(5).

5) Recommends long-term facility plans to the County Board that are not
otherwise designated by Wisconsin Statutes.

6) Recommends the acquisition, sale, and use of County land to the County
Board that are not otherwise designated by Wisconsin Statutes.

7) Approves or disallows County Administrator's recommendations regarding
use of space in County owned, leased, or managed facilities.

8) Approves or disallows County Administrator's recommended changes for
all County insurance matters including property and casualty, general
liability, worker's compensation and group health and life insurance.

9) May recommend changes to the Rules of the Board of Supervisors.

10) Recommends renewal (or non-renewal) and terms of the County
Administrator's contract to the County Board.

11) Recommends annually to the County Board a list of goals for the County
Administrator.

12) Recommends annually to the County Board the performance review of the
County Administrator.

13) Recommends annually any changes to the Investment Policy and the
Purchasing Policy to the County Board.

21
March 47, 20253

district boundaries that are made necessary due to annexations.

15) Recommends to the County Board any changes regarding the
compensation plan and carries out the duties and responsibilities assigned to
it under the Human Resources Handbook.

16) Recommends to the County Board any changes regarding compensation of
the elected officials.

17) Recommends to the County Board action to be taken by the County on any
claim brought pursuant to Wisconsin Statute § 893.80 not covered by an
insurance policy. The Committee shall annually receive a summary from the
Risk Manager and Corporation Counsel of the status of open claims brought
against St. Croix County under Wisconsin Statute § 893.80.

18) Designates County depositories pursuant to Wisconsin Statute § 59.61(2).

19) Acts as the County Library Planning Committee, pursuant to Wisconsin
Statute § 43.11, and Rrecommends to the County Board changes to the St.
Croix County Library Service Plan.

20) Recommends to the County Board changes to the St. Croix County
governance structure.

2. Community Development Committee.

a. Structure:
Members: 5 Supervisors
Term: 2-Years
Populated: Appointed by Board Chair

b. Assignments:

1) Designated Departments: Community Development; Register of Deeds; and
UW Extension.

2) Contact Committee for: Bass Lake Rehabilitation District; Land Information
Advisory Council; Partnership Team of the Lower St. Croix Management
Commission; Squaw Apple Lake Rehabilitation District; St. Croix County
Economic Development Corporation; St. Croix County Fair Board; West
Central Area Land and Water Conservation Association; West Central
Wisconsin Regional Planning; Willow River Rehabilitation District.

22
March 47, 20253

1) Recommends to the County Board any changes to the Farmland
Preservation Plan.

2) Recommends to the County Board any changes to the Outdoor Recreation
Plan/Parks Ordinance.

3) Recommends to the County Board any changes to the Recycling Ordinance.

4) Recommends to the County Board any changes to the Land and Water
Resource Management Plan.

5) Recommends to the County Board any changes to the Comprehensive Plan.

6) Acts as the agriculture and extension education committee required by
Wisconsin Statute § 59.56 (3)(b).

7) Acts as the County land conservation committee required by Wisconsin
Statute § 92.06. When so acting, the Chair of the County agricultural
stabilization and conservation committee (Farm Service Agency (FSA)
Committee) created under 16 United States Code § 590h(b), or another
member designated by the FSA Chair, shall also serve on the land
conservation committee. The representative from the FSA Committee will
be limited to voting on items specific to land and water conservation issues.
The County Board shall appoint a citizen member who is a person engaged
in agricultural use, as defined in Wis. Stat. § 91.01(2)(a), to serve on the land
conservation committee. The citizen member will be limited to voting on
items specific to the responsibilities of the land conservation committee,
which are set forth in Wis. Stat. § 92.07.

8) Recommends to the County Board any changes to the St. Croix County Code
of Ordinances Land Use and Development Chapters 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16,
17, 18, and 21.

9) Takes action on waivers to design standards and setback reductions in the St.
Croix County Code of Ordinances Land Use and Development Chapter 13
Land Division.

9) Hear and decide conditional use permit applications, pursuant to Wis. Stat. §
59.69(5e) and the St. Croix County Code of Ordinances.

10) Acts as the County Zoning Agency pursuant to Wisconsin Statute § 59.69(2).

23
March 47, 20253

a. Structure:
Members: 6 Supervisors and 3 Citizen Members
Term: 3-Years
Populated: Not by election, but by appointment by the County
Administrator subject to confirmation by the County Board.

b. Assignments:

1) Designated Departments: Health and Human Services Department; Health
Care Campus; and Veterans Services.

2) Contact Committee for: Coordinated Services Team Coordinating
Committee; Council on Aging and Disabilities; Veterans Service
Commission; West Central Wisconsin Community Action Agency, Inc.
(WestCAP).

c. Responsibilities

1) Acts as the local board of health pursuant to Wisconsin Statute § 251.03(1).

2) Performs all duties as required by Wisconsin Statute § 46.23(5m). (The
Rules of the Board of Supervisors shall serve as the operating procedures as
required by Wisconsin Statute § 46.23(5m)(e)).

4. Public Protection and Judiciary Committee.

a. Structure:
Members: 5 Supervisors
Term: 2-Years
Populated: Appointed by Board Chair

b. Assignments:

1) Designated Departments: Child Support Agency; Circuit Court; Clerk of
Court; District Attorney's Office; Emergency Support Services; Justice
Support Services; Medical Examiner; and Sheriff's Office.

2) Contact Committee for: Community Justice Collaborating Council; County
Traffic Safety Commission; Local Emergency Planning Committee.

c. Responsibilities:

24
March 47, 20253

Wisconsin Statute § 323.14.

2) Annually inspects the jail with the Sheriff and Facilities Director.

5. Transportation Committee.

a. Structure:
Members: 5 Supervisors
Term: 2-Years
Populated: Appointed by Board Chair

b. Assignments:

1) Designated Departments: Highway Department; and County Surveyor

2) Contact Committee for: Wisconsin Gateway Corridor Coalition

c. Responsibilities:

1) Pursuant to Wisconsin Statute Chapter 83, acts as the County Highway
Committee as a policy-making body determining the broad outlines and
principles governing administration of the Highway Department.

2) Hears permit appeals of decisions of the Highway Commissioner, pursuant
to Wisconsin Statute § 86.07.

3) Sets policy for the Highway Department infrastructure asset management
goals, supporting fixed assets, and business plan.

25
March 47, 20253

OTHER COMMITTEES AND GOVERNMENTAL BODIES

Section A. Other Committees and Governmental Bodies (Committees, Boards, Councils.
Commissions).

1. Board of Adjustment
2. Community Justice Collaborating Council
3. Coordinated Services Team Coordinating Committee
4. Council on Aging and Disabilities
5. County Traffic Safety Commission
6. Land Information Advisory Council
7. Local Emergency Planning Committee
8. County Library Planning Committee

Section B. Description, Structure and Contact Committee.

1. Board of Adjustment. The Board of Adjustment (BOA) is established pursuant to
Wisconsin Statute § 59.694. The BOA is an independent decision-making body not subject
to County Board control. The BOA shall act in a fair and impartial manner, without bias or
prejudice, and render its decisions based on law, facts, and rational analysis. The BOA shall
comply with the Rules Governing St. Croix County Board of Adjustment. (Refer to Rules
Governing St. Croix County Board of Adjustment).

The BOA shall have the following general powers:
- To hear and decide appeals where it is alleged there is error in an order, requirement,
decision, or determination made by an administrative official in the enforcement of
Wisconsin Statutes §§ 59.69 and 59.692 or of any County land use ordinances.
- To hear and decide special exceptions (conditional uses) to the terms of an ordinance
enacted pursuant to Wisconsin Statute § 59.69 or of any County land use ordinances.
- To authorize upon appeal in specific cases variances from the terms of any ordinance
enacted pursuant to Wisconsin Statutes §§ 59.69 or 59.692 or of any County land
use ordinances that will not be contrary to the public interest, where, owing to special
conditions, a literal enforcement of the provisions of the ordinance will result in
unnecessary hardship, and so that the spirit of the ordinance shall be observed and
substantial justice done.
- To grant special exceptions and variances for renewable energy resource systems. If
the BOA denies an application for a special exception or variance for such a system,
the BOA shall provide a written statement of its reasons for denying the application.

26
March 47, 20253

a. Members: 5 members comprised of at least 1 but not more than 2 Supervisors with
the balance citizen members plus 2 alternate citizen members. The alternate citizen
members shall be designated First Alternate and Second Alternate and shall only
serve when 1 or 2 of the 5 voting members (Supervisor or citizen) are absent.
Vacancies, appointments, and residency requirements shall be pursuant to the Rules
Governing St. Croix County Board of Adjustment.

b. Term: 3 years beginning on the date of the first BOA meeting following County
Board approval at its May meeting each year. The terms shall be staggered so that
1 or 2 terms expire each year.

c. Populated: Appointment by the County Administrator subject to confirmation by
the County Board.

d. Contact Committee: None

2. Community Justice Collaborating Council. The mission of the Community Justice
Collaborating Council (CJCC) is to enhance public safety in St. Croix County through
community collaboration by ensuring offender accountability, providing rehabilitative
programming, and supporting the rights and needs of victims. In addition, the CJCC is
committed to providing the coordinated leadership necessary to establish and foster
innovative, research-based corrections programs for adult and juvenile offenders, and
improve efficiencies and outcomes in the criminal/juvenile justice system. Finally, the
CJCC is committed to promoting and enhancing communication between all elements of
the criminal/juvenile justice system.

a. CJCC - Executive Committee is composed of the CJCC Chair, Vice-Chair, Board
Chair, and County Administrator.

b. Members: 19 voting members: Presiding Judge for St. Croix County, County
Administrator, Board Chair, Sheriff, Chief of Police Association Representative,
District Attorney, Clerk of Circuit Court, Local State Public Defender Supervisor,
Division of Community Corrections Supervisor for St. Croix County, Department
of Health and Human Services Director, Chair of Public Protection and Judiciary
Committee, Bar Association Representative, Corporation Counsel, Chair of Health
and Human Services Board, Representative from Faith Based Community,
Representative from Municipal Courts, Representative from Medical Community,
and two citizen members.

Advisory members are appointed as approved by the CJCC Chair. All St. Croix
County circuit court judges are members and, except for the Presiding Judge, are
non-voting.
27
March 47, 20253

to represent them, with full authority, and vote at CJCC meetings. Any CJCC
member, excluding the two citizen members, wishing to appoint a designee, is to
identify the designee to the Chair of the CJCC in writing prior to the meeting. No
more than three consecutive meetings shall be allowed for a member's designee to
attend CJCC meetings. Designees can only be changed by notifying the CJCC Chair
in writing. Citizen members shall be elected to serve two-year terms commencing at
the first meeting of 2014, with citizen member elections continuing at the first
meeting in even-numbered years thereafter. Initially, one citizen member will serve
for a full two-year term and one citizen member will serve a one-year term.
Consecutive terms shall alternate every two years. Any citizen member may resign
by submitting notice of resignation to the CJCC Chair. In the event of a vacancy of
a citizen member, the CJCC may elect a new citizen member to serve the remaining
term. In the event of a vacancy of a CJCC member, excluding citizen members, the
CJCC Chair shall designate an individual to fill the member vacancy.

d. Populated: By named position or designee. Citizen members elected by CJCC.

e. Contact Committee: Public Protection and Judiciary Committee.

3. Coordinated Services Team Coordinating Committee.

a. Representation: Members are appointed pursuant to Wisconsin Statute § 46.56(3).
The Coordinated Services Team (CST) Coordinating Committee also serves as the
Family Support Program Advisory Committee.

b. Contact Committee: Health and Human Services Board

4. Council on Aging and Disabilities. The Council on Aging and Disabilities (COAD) shall
be the governing board of the Aging and Disabilities Resource Center (ADRC) pursuant to
Wisconsin Statute § 46.283(6). The COAD shall also act as the Commission on Aging
pursuant to Wisconsin Statute § 46.82(4). The role of the COAD is to: (a) identify the needs
of older people and adults with disabilities; (b) recommend services to meet those needs;
and (c) advocate for local, state, and national programs that promote quality of life for older
people and adults with disabilities. The COAD shall report to the Health and Human
Services Board (HHS Board). In the event an issue should arise between the HHS Board
and the COAD relating to the governance of the ADRC, the HHS Board and/or the COAD
may bring the issue to the County Board via resolution or ordinance.

a. Members: 11 members - 6 members must be individuals who are 60 years of age or
older. Of the 6 individuals 60 years of age or older, 2 should be County Board
Supervisors. Two members must be from the Health and Human Services Board (1

28
March 47, 20253

of age or older. At least one fourth of the members shall be of individuals who
belong to an Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) client group, or who is
a family member of, guardian of or other advocate of such an individual. One
member shall be representative of each of the following areas: caregiver for older
adults (1 member); representative with knowledge in the area of developmental
disabilities (1 member); representative with knowledge in the area of physical
disabilities (1 member); representative with knowledge in the area of alcohol and
drug abuse/mental health (1 member); and one representative with knowledge in the
area of youth transition (1 member). Each individual member will only represent
one target group.

b. Term: Mem

AI-generated analysis where available. Verify with official sources.

Summary: RESOLUTION AMENDING PERSONNEL POLICIES

1 WHEREAS, on September 2, 2014, St. Croix County adopted the current version of the
2 St. Croix County Personnel Policies and Procedures Handbook; and
3
4 WHEREAS, the handbook has been amended several times between 2015 to 2024; and
5
6 WHEREAS, the Staff Advisory Committee and Department Heads have been provided
7 copies of the updated policy for review; and
8
9 WHEREAS, on February 18, 2025, the Administration Committee reviewed the
10 amendments and recommends approval to the St. Croix County Board of Supervisors.
11
12 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the St. Croix County Board of
13 Supervisors that the St. Croix County Personnel Policies and Procedures Handbook is hereby
14 amended as follows:
15
16 Outside Employment Policy

Administration Committee Recommended
MOVER: Bob Feidler
SECONDER: Ryan Sherley
AYES: Paul Berning, Scott Counter, Bob Feidler, Ryan Sherley
EXCUSED: None

St. Croix County Board of Supervisors Action:
This Resolution was ADOPTED by the St. Croix County Board of Supervisors on March 4, 2025

___________________________________ ___________________________________
Bob Long, County Board Chair Christine Hines, County Clerk

Updated: February 2025

St. Croix County encourages employees to pursue outside employment or activities that enrich their lives, skills,
and interests, as long as these do not interfere with their primary role with the County. Employees are asked to
consider how such activities align with ethical standards, public perception, and their ability to meet the
performance standards of their County position.

Purpose

This policy aims to ensure that outside employment or business activities complement employees' roles at St.
Croix County without raising concerns about job performance, ethical considerations, or public trust.

Definitions

- Outside Employment: Any work, business activity, or service performed in addition to an
employee's duties with the County. This includes, but is not limited to, full or part-time jobs,
freelance projects, independent contracting, self-employment, advising, consulting, testing,
performing analysis or examinations, internships, apprenticeships, practicing one's profession, or
any other paid or unpaid work arrangements that involve an agreement to provide services.
o Exclusions: Volunteer fire department and/or emergency medical services are not
considered outside employment under this policy.
- Conflict of Interest: Situations where competing responsibilities or interests could affect the
employee's impartiality or effectiveness in their County role, and serving one interest could involve
working against another.

Disclosure Process

As a public employer in the State of Wisconsin, St. Croix County is committed to ensuring that all employees
uphold the highest standards of integrity, transparency, and accountability. To maintain the trust of our
residents and stakeholders, employees must disclose any outside employment or business activities to their
supervisor.

Outside Employment Policy - Human Resources Policies and Procedures 1

and/or at the time of hire.
o Employees are not required to report when they discontinue outside employment but must
report any new outside work or substantial changes to their role or job duties.
- Supervisors should reach out to Human Resources with any questions or to confirm that the
employment aligns with County standards and ethical requirements.
- Employees will be notified if additional considerations arise or further information is needed.

Ethical and Professional Conduct: Prohibited Activities

When engaging in outside employment, employees are prohibited from the following:

- Engaging in outside employment that impacts their ability to perform County duties or meet all
performance expectations. Employees must meet the same performance standards and adhere to
scheduled work hours, regardless of outside employment demands.
- Engaging in outside employment that creates a conflict of interest with County duties or undermines
public trust.
- Allowing outside employment to impede their ability to respond to emergencies, on-call duties, or
perform their primary responsibilities effectively.
- Using County resources, property, or equipment for outside activities, including the use of County-
assigned telephones, work numbers or email addresses.
- Storing outside employment records on County computers or other County-owned devices.
- Engaging in outside employment during regular working hours unless expressly approved by the
employee's immediate supervisor or department head.
- Referring work from their County position to their outside employment.
- Using information obtained through their County position for outside employment purposes, including
information with ethical implications.
- Engaging in outside employment that creates ethical concerns, raises impartiality issues, or results in a
conflict of interest.
- Disclosing confidential County information--such as proprietary, strategic, or sensitive data--for outside
employment purposes.
- Engaging in outside employment that violates any applicable laws, regulations, or ethical standards
specific to the employee's role or the County's operations.

Outside Employment Policy - Human Resources Policies and Procedures 2

- Failure to comply with this policy may result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination of
employment.
- Participating in outside employment when an employee is on a County-approved, continuous (not
intermittent) Family Medical Leave, Personal Leave of Absence or off work due to a work-related injury
is prohibited.

Outside Employment Policy - Human Resources Policies and Procedures 3

Cover Memo
To: Administration Committee
From: Ken Witt, County Administrator
Heather Amos, Corporation Counsel
Date: March 4, 2025
Agenda Item: Resolution Amending the Rules of the Board of Supervisors

Background Information:
Article Seven of the Rules of the Board of Supervisors ("Rules") indicates that the Rules shall be updated annually in
March of each year. The following changes are recommended:

required to be held at a specific time on the third Tuesday of April. Removing the time requirement allows for flexibility
in scheduling this meeting.

remove items from the agenda that are deemed non-essential to the business of the County Board, subject to the
appeal process set forth in Article Three, Section D.7."

the Moment of Silence.

reporting concept would be to move all the annual reports to the beginning of the year at the April Committee of the
Whole - Budget Priority meeting. Makes the reporting more timely and more useful at forecasting future budget needs.

resolutions and ordinances shall be sponsored by a Standing Committee."

pursuant to Wisconsin Statute § 43.11, and recommends to the County Board changes to the St. Croix County Library
Service Plan."

rehabilitation district.

2023 Act 32, the statutory language of Wis. Stat. § 92.06 now requires that the County Board appoints to the land
conservation committee a person engaged in agricultural use. The definition of "agricultural use" is located in Wis. Stat.
§ 91.01(2)(a) (attached). In addition, membership of the land conservation committee and its powers are set forth in
Wis. Stat. §§ 92.06 and 92.07. If no Supervisor on the Community Development Committee is a "person engaged in
agricultural use," a citizen member meeting the requirements shall be appointed instead.

"Hear and decide conditional use permit applications, pursuant to Wis. Stat. § 59.69(5e) and the St. Croix County Code of
Ordinances."

conditional use permit applications as that responsibility is now assigned to the Community Development Committee.

maps. This is a function of the Community Development Department that may be appealed to the Board of Adjustment
as it is the body that hears and decides appeals of an administrative official.

and governmental bodies.

rehabilitation district.

AI-generated analysis where available. Verify with official sources.

Summary: RESOLUTION SUPPORTING COMCAST'S GRANT REQUEST
THROUGH THE BROADBAND EQUITY, ACCESS AND
DEPLOYMENT (BEAD) PROGRAM

1 WHEREAS, access to reliable, high-speed broadband is essential for economic
2 development, education, healthcare, and overall quality of life in St. Croix County; and
3
4 WHEREAS, many areas within St. Croix County remain unserved or underserved by
5 existing broadband infrastructure, limiting opportunities for residents and businesses to fully
6 participate in the digital economy; and
7
8 WHEREAS, the State of Wisconsin is allocating funds through the Broadband Equity,
9 Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program to support broadband expansion projects that address
10 critical connectivity gaps in communities across the state; and
11
12 WHEREAS, Comcast has submitted an application to the State of Wisconsin for a
13 project in excess of $10 million for broadband expansion in St. Croix County, which aims to
14 improve high-speed internet access in unserved and underserved areas; and
15
16 WHEREAS, Comcast has committed to funding 25% of the total project cost,
17 demonstrating a significant financial investment in expanding broadband infrastructure within St.
18 Croix County; and
19
20 WHEREAS, this project aligns with St. Croix County's goal of improving broadband
21 accessibility to enhance economic growth, educational opportunities, and essential services for
22 residents and businesses.
23
24 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the St. Croix County Board of
25 Supervisors formally endorses the Comcast 2025 application for BEAD funding with the State of
26 Wisconsin and supports efforts to expand broadband infrastructure within the county.

Administration Committee Recommended
MOVER: Ryan Sherley
SECONDER: Bob Feidler
AYES: Paul Berning, Scott Counter, Bob Feidler, Ryan Sherley
EXCUSED: None

St. Croix County Board of Supervisors Action:
This Resolution was ADOPTED by the St. Croix County Board of Supervisors on March 4, 2025

___________________________________ ___________________________________
Bob Long, County Board Chair Christine Hines, County Clerk

Comcast is reviewing the opportunity to serve underserved and unserved locations in St. Croix
County. The project(s) will serve between 1500-2000 residential properties. The total project
investment exceeds $10 million, please note final costs are still being reviewed. Please see
attached a map of the general area.

1

Cover Memo
To: Administration Committee
From: Ken Witt, County Administrator
Audrie Haycraft, Human Resources Director
Date: March 4, 2025
Agenda Item: Resolution Amending Personnel Policy - Outside Employment

Background Information:
Outside Employment - Proposed Changes

- Revised a majority of the policy to enhance clarity while maintaining its original intent.
- Added a Disclosure Process to ensure transparency and accountability.
- Enhanced the Prohibited Conduct section by clarifying prohibited activities.

AI-generated analysis where available. Verify with official sources.

Summary: RESOLUTION SUPPORTING FRONTIER'S GRANT REQUEST
THROUGH THE BROADBAND EQUITY, ACCESS, AND
DEPLOYMENT (BEAD) PROGRAM

1 WHEREAS, access to reliable, high-speed broadband is essential for economic
2 development, education, healthcare, and overall quality of life in St. Croix County; and
3
4 WHEREAS, many areas within St. Croix County remain unserved or underserved by
5 existing broadband infrastructure, limiting opportunities for residents and businesses to fully
6 participate in the digital economy; and
7
8 WHEREAS, the State of Wisconsin is allocating funds through the Broadband Equity,
9 Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program to support broadband expansion projects that address
10 critical connectivity gaps in communities across the state; and
11
12 WHEREAS, Frontier has submitted an application to the State of Wisconsin for a $5
13 million broadband expansion project in St. Croix County, which aims to improve high-speed
14 internet access in unserved and underserved areas; and
15
16 WHEREAS, Frontier has committed to funding 25% of the total project cost,
17 demonstrating a significant financial investment in expanding broadband infrastructure within St.
18 Croix County; and
19
20 WHEREAS, this project aligns with St. Croix County's goal of improving broadband
21 accessibility to enhance economic growth, educational opportunities, and essential services for
22 residents and businesses.
23
24 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the St. Croix County Board of
25 Supervisors formally endorses Frontier's 2025 application for BEAD funding with the State of
26 Wisconsin and supports efforts to expand broadband infrastructure within St. Croix County.

Administration Committee Recommended
MOVER: Bob Feidler
SECONDER: Scott Counter
AYES: Paul Berning, Scott Counter, Bob Feidler, Ryan Sherley
EXCUSED: None

St. Croix County Board of Supervisors Action:
This Resolution was ADOPTED by the St. Croix County Board of Supervisors on March 4, 2025

___________________________________ ___________________________________
Bob Long, County Board Chair Christine Hines, County Clerk

ST CROIX COUNTY

Fiber Last Mile
BEAD Proposal

LEGEND

0 4.903

miles
Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) Program

Cover Memo
To: Administration Committee
From: Ken Witt, County Administrator
Date: March 4, 2025
Agenda Item: Resolution Supporting Comcast's Grant Request Through the Broadband Equity, Access and
Deployment (BEAD) Program

Background Information:
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law created the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program with a goal of
providing high-speed internet for all Wisconsinites. BEAD will support the deployment of fiber and other qualifying
internet technology that provides service of 100/20 Megabits per second (Mbps) download/upload to all households
and businesses in Wisconsin that lack access to 100/20 Mbps.

Wisconsin has allocated $1,055,823,574 through a formula based on the state's proportion of locations lacking access to
broadband service, calculated using Federal Communications Commission (FCC) maps. The BEAD grant program awards
additional points to ISP grant applicants that secure local resolutions in support of their grant applications.

AI-generated analysis where available. Verify with official sources.

Summary: RESOLUTION SUPPORTING 2025 WISCONSIN DNR RECREATIONAL
BOATING FACILITIES PROGRAM GRANT APPLICATION FOR TROY
BEACH

St. Croix County Board of Supervisors Action:
This Resolution was ADOPTED by the St. Croix County Board of Supervisors on March 4, 2025

__________________________________ __________________________________
Bob Long, County Board Chair Christine Hines, County Clerk

Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) Program

Cover Memo
To: Administration Committee
From: Ken Witt, County Administrator
Date: March 4, 2025
Agenda Item: Resolution Supporting Frontier's Grant Request Through the Broadband Equity, Access and
Deployment (BEAD) Program

Background Information:
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law created the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program with a goal of
providing high-speed internet for all Wisconsinites. BEAD will support the deployment of fiber and other qualifying
internet technology that provides service of 100/20 Megabits per second (Mbps) download/upload to all households
and businesses in Wisconsin that lack access to 100/20 Mbps.

Wisconsin has allocated $1,055,823,574 through a formula based on the state's proportion of locations lacking access to
broadband service, calculated using Federal Communications Commission (FCC) maps. The BEAD grant program awards
additional points to ISP grant applicants that secure local resolutions in support of their grant applications.

AI-generated analysis where available. Verify with official sources.

Summary: RESOLUTION APPROVING ECKERT BLUFFLANDS PARK
MASTER PLAN AMENDMENT

St. Croix County Board of Supervisors Action:
This Resolution was ADOPTED by the St. Croix County Board of Supervisors on March 4, 2025

___________________________________ ___________________________________
Bob Long, County Board Chair Christine Hines, County Clerk

OVERVIEW
JANUARY 2025

OBJECTIVES OF PREPARING AN AMENDED MASTER PLAN:
- Emphasize nature based outdoor recreation activities such as hiking,
bicycling, play areas, picnic areas, and nature viewing
- Prepare an amended plan with lower development costs that will align with
a more modest development strategy for the property
- Continued involvement and communication with residents, and Town and
State officials

2
- Continued inflationary factors, coupled with other budget challenges and
building projects facing the County, necessitated a re-evaluation of park
costs and usage
- Estimated development costs under the 2022 Master Plan was $14.8 million.
Factoring inflation, projected construction costs rose to $18 million for 2025
- The Amended Master Plan has been simplified. Items removed include:
- The new entrance onto Hwy 35 (incl. turn lanes, by-pass lanes and approx. 25 feet of
fill) along with associated realigning of River Heights Trail
- 13 hike-in sites, 7 yurts and 18 camper cabins, and associated trail and road
improvements to access these facilities
- 6 off-street parking areas
- Entrance station, sledding hill, mountain bicycle training course, ropes adventure
playground

3

Reconfigured Hwy 35/Old Hwy 35 intersection with bituminous upgrade to Old Hwy 35/River Heights Trail
intersection
River Heights Trail will not be realigned
Vacate portion of old Hwy #35 north of River Heights Trail and establish Private Driveway easement to northernmost
home on Old Highway 35
Parking Lot and access to parking lot off River Heights Trail (bituminous). Approx area of 130' x 230', accommodating
80-100 parking stalls. Access to inholdings will remain the same
Stormwater ponds along park access road and parking area
Includes gated access and turn-around area to reverse direction when park is closed
Signage clearly delineating separate park access and access for residences
Playground, Picnic Shelter, Cooking/Grills, Picnic Tables near east side of parking lot
Flush bathroom facilities on north side parking area
East Trail and West Trail (including the two swing bridges). Trails to be gravel and crusher fines with possibility of
upgrading to bituminous in the future. Include sitting benches
Overlook to River (NW of parking area) with potential for stairs to river shoreline and picnic shelter
Active Area for Pickleball, Horseshoes, etc. on north side of park
Bicycle and pedestrian trail on northern 1/3 of property
Stairs to shoreline near Eckert Cabin and a secondary foot path trail
Private property signs by beach area for in-holding parcels
Eckert Cabin potentially used as information center

4
Based on peak use (weekend day during summer months)

2022 Plan - 175 parking stalls with 6 parking lots. Park uses included 38 camping sites,
bicycle training course, adventure/ropes course play areas
75% occupancy of parking stalls (turnover of 3x) = 786 vehicle trips per day

Amended 2025 Plan - 80 parking stalls with 1 parking lot. Park uses removed include 38
camping sites, bicycle training course and adventure/ropes play areas
65% occupancy of parking stalls (turnover of 2x) = 208 vehicle trips per day

- A vehicle trip is defined as one instance of a vehicle either leaving or returning to a location
- For comparison purposes one-single family home generates 10 vehicle trips per day, year-round (ITE)
- Daily park usage will decrease noticeably during late fall, winter, and early spring
- If the site were developed under zoning at the time the property was purchased there could have been 23-26
single family lots platted resulting in 230-260 daily vehicle trips, year-round, when built out

6
ESTIMATES

7

- December 17, 2024 - Open House with residents within 300 feet of park property
- January 16, 2025 - Community Development Committee (CDC) review of draft plan
- February 18, 2025 - Open House with General Public
- February 20, 2025 - Public Hearing with CDC for Plan Amendment recommendation
- March 4, 2025 - County Board consideration of Amended Plan approval

- Questions ?

8

Eckert
BLUFFLANDS MASTER PLAN
PARK

Adopted on March 4, 2025
Resolution No. ___________________

Board of Supervisors

Bob Long, Chair
Bob Fiedler, Vice Chair
Lisa Lind
Shawn Anderson
Cathy Leaf
Kerry Reis
Paul Adams
Paul Berning
Richard Ottino
Dave Ostness
Scott Counter
Daniel Hanson
Ryan Sherley
Greg Tellijohn
Mark Carlson
Michael Barcalow
Bob Swanepoel
Jerry Van Someren
Tim Ramberg

Community Development Committee:

Shawn Anderson
Kerry Reis
Scott Counter
Ryan Sherley
Jerry Van Someren

Prepared by: St. Croix County Community Development Department

Eckert Blufflands Park Master Plan 2

INTRODUCTION & PROJECT BACKGROUND ............................................................................ 4
HISTORY ................................................................................................................................ 5
REGIONAL CONTEXT .............................................................................................................. 5
EXISTING SITE CONDITIONS ................................................................................................... 6
PROJECTED PARK USERS ........................................................................................................ 9
SUMMARY OF PREVIOUS PLANNING.................................................................................... 10
PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT ......................................................................................................... 10
DEVELOPMENT PLAN ........................................................................................................... 11
INTERPRETIVE PLAN ............................................................................................................ 15
NATURAL RESOURCES PLAN ................................................................................................ 15
LONG-TERM NATURAL RESOURCE MAMANGEMENT BEST PRACTICES .................................. 17
INVASIVE MANAGEMENT APPROACH .................................................................................. 17
OTHER NATURAL RESOURCE RECOMMENDATIONS .............................................................. 19
COST ESTIMATES ................................................................................................................. 21

Eckert Blufflands Park Master Plan 3

INTRODUCTION & PROJECT BACKGROUND

The Eckert Blufflands Park Master Plan describes the history, existing conditions, public input,
recommendations for natural resources and development, implementation actions, and costs for the
park's proposed development.

This new St. Croix County Park was made available through the purchase of several properties along the
St. Croix River. Together, the park will provide public access to 2,800 feet of shoreline and 170 acres of
greenspace in the St. Croix Valley.

In early 2021, St. Croix County engaged the services of HKGI, a park planning consultant, to prepare a Master Plan for
the park property. The master planning process allowed the public to weigh in on the park's design. The
initial Master Plan process culminated in approval of the "Eckert Blufflands Park Master Plan" by the St.
Croix County Board of Supervisors on February 1, 2022.

The Eckert Blufflands Park Master Plan adopted in 2022 can be found here:
https://www.sccwi.gov/959/Eckert-Blufflands

Proposed Park improvements in the 2022 Master Plan included camper cabins and yurts on the
south portion of the park, a hike-in campground on the northern portion of the park, a new
Highway #35 vehicular entrance, an entrance station, internal roads, playground and picnic areas,
restrooms, parking lots, paved and natural surface trails with access to the St. Croix River, sledding
hill, rock climbing and ropes activity areas and a mountain bike training course.
The estimated cost for all proposed improvements in 2021 was $14,770,000. Applying a
conservative annual inflation rate of 5%, the projected construction costs for the same plan in
2025 are expected to reach approximately $18,000,000.
Continued inflationary factors, coupled with other budget challenges facing the County,
necessitated a re-evaluation of park usage to achieve manageable development costs.
The objectives of preparing an amended Master Plan are to:
1. Emphasize nature based outdoor recreation activities (hiking, bicycling, play area,
pavilion/picnic areas, nature viewing)
2. Prepare an amended plan with lower development costs that will align with a more
modest development strategy for the property
3. Continued involvement and communication with residents, and Town and State officials

Eckert Blufflands Park Master Plan 4

In 2015, St. Croix County purchased 53 acres of land from C.A. and Jeanette Richards. This property has
access off Old Highway #35, is located along the St. Croix River in the Town of St. Joseph and includes
1,300 feet of river shoreline and 2,000 feet of bluff line.

The County purchased the Eckert Family property in 2018. This 114-acre parcel is located in the Towns
of Hudson and St. Joseph and includes 1,550 feet of shoreline and bluff line along the St. Croix River. The
parcel is south and adjacent to the Richards property.

In 2020, the County obtained 1.99 acres of property from Gary Zappa. Combined, these acquisitions
protect over 2,800 feet of shoreline and provide public access to nearly 170 acres of greenspace in the
St. Croix Valley.

REGIONAL CONTEXT

Within a 5-mile radius of Eckert Blufflands Park, there are several recreation destinations to connect to
in Wisconsin and across the river in Minnesota:

- Regional bike trail connections (St. Croix River Crossing Lift Bridge Loop Trail, Brown's Creek MN
State Trail)
- Local trail connections (Highway #35 Off-Road Trail)
- St. Croix County Parks
- Willow River State Park
- St. Croix National Scenic Riverway
- City/Village parks and sidewalks in Hudson and North Hudson

Eckert Blufflands Park Master Plan 5

EXISTING SITE CONDITIONS

Eckert Blufflands Park is located on the St. Croix River, just north of Hudson, Wisconsin, and across the
St. Croix River from Bayport, Minnesota. The park area covers approximately 170 acres between the St.
Croix River and State Highway #35, contains steep bluffs and several ravines, and is adjacent to several
private home sites and agricultural land.

The park's upland contains former agricultural fields that now exist as grassland areas. Dense tree stands
exist throughout the upland, the ravines, and on the bluffs. A cabin formerly owned by the Eckert family
is the only existing structure on the park site today. Several deep ravines cross the park descending to
the St. Croix River. The shoreline provides spectacular views in all directions.

Eckert Blufflands Park Master Plan 6

More detailed site characteristics are provided in the Natural Resource Section of the Plan.

Eckert Blufflands Park Master Plan 7

Eckert Blufflands Park Master Plan 8

St. Croix County is among the fastest-growing counties in Wisconsin, which will lead to increased
demand for recreational facilities and open spaces. As of 2023, the county's population was 96,763 (U.S.
Census) and is projected to grow by 24% to reach 120,000 by 2040 (State of Wisconsin Dept. of
Administration).

The Wisconsin State Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan 2019-2023 (SCORP), created by the
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR), surveyed Wisconsin residents relating to needed
recreational opportunities (by County). Wisconsin counties are then grouped into regions within the
SCORP. St. Croix County is within the Mississippi River Corridor Region. Recreational needs identified in
this region are shown below:

St. Croix County will offer all but camping and canoeing/kayaking activity usage at Eckert Blufflands Park.

The amended plan will initially provide approximately 80 parking stalls, with the capacity to add another
80 stalls in the future. Peak usage is anticipated during weekends in the spring, summer, and fall.

During peak weekends, the parking lots are expected to be 65% full, with an average of three people per
vehicle and a minimum vehicle turnover of twice per day. This would result in approximately 312 visitors
per day. Weekday visitation is expected to be lower. Visitor numbers are also projected to decline
modestly during the winter and early spring seasons.

Vehicle trip estimates during peak use are approximately 208 trips per day. This figure will be lower on
weekdays and significantly lower during off-season periods. For comparison purposes, one-singe family
home generates 10 vehicle trips per day, year-round.

These visitor estimates do not account for pedestrian or bicycle traffic accessing the park via the off-
road trail from Highway 35.
(A vehicle trip is defined as one instance of a vehicle either leaving or returning to a location.)

Eckert Blufflands Park Master Plan 9

2018-2019 St. Croix County Park Resident Survey:
- Hiking trails were by far the most popular facility identified by the County survey for expansion
and investment

2019-2023 St. Croix County Outdoor Recreation Plan:
- Outlined the history, geography and needs assesment for the Richards and Eckert properties
(now known as Eckert Blufflands Park). The Outdoor Recreation Plan identified the need for a
master planning process for the properties to identify potential uses and to include surveying
and biological inventory

2021-2022 Eckert Blufflands Park Master Planning process
- Master planning process included significant public input and culminated in a master plan with a
biological inventory adopted by the St. Croix County Board on February 1, 2022

2022-2025 St. Croix County Strategic Plan
- Natural Resource Objectives identified in the document include, "Improve accessibility to our
County natural resources and recreation" and "Explore physical and educational activites for the
people using our parks and trails"

PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT

Public engagement for this amended plan process included:

- 2024 - Various public metings with the Town of Hudson, Town of St. Joseph and the St. Croix
County Community Development Committee. Discussions with the Wisconsin Department of
Transportation on the proposed reconfigured intersection for Old Highway #35/Highway #35

- December 17, 2024 - Public Open House at St. Croix County Government Center to review draft
of the Amended Eckert Blufflands Park Master Plan (abutting property owners to the park
property received an individual invitation)

- January 16, 2025 - St. Croix County Community Development Committee meeting. Review draft
document and summary of comments received from December 2024 Open House

- February 18, 2025 - Public Open House to review draft of the Amended Eckert Blufflands Park
Master Plan

- February 20, 2025 - Public Hearing conducted by the St. Croix County Community Development
Committee to consider Amended Eckert Blufflands Park Master Plan

A summary of comments received at each open house and public meeting will be provided on
Attachment A at the end of the Master Plan document.

Eckert Blufflands Park Master Plan 10

This Development Plan serves as a guide for park development. The dimensions, scales on the Master
Plan Map, and descriptions of improvements in this section are approximate and not exact.

Compared to the Master Plan adopted in 2022, this plan update focuses on nature based outdoor
recreation activities. The amended plan eliminates camping activities that were proposed in the initial
plan and relocates the main entrance to the park off the existing south leg of Old Highway #35 and River
Heights Trail.

PARK PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

Due to grant funding received by St. Croix County to purchase portions of the park property, the
following program elements are required at Eckert Blufflnds Park:

- Hiking
- Cross country skiing
- Fishing
- Bow and Gun Hunting
- Trapping

Playground Picnic Shelter

River Overlook

Eckert Blufflands Park Master Plan 11

Eckert Blufflands Park Master Plan 12

Vehicular access to the park will be established through a reconfigured intersection at the south leg of
Old Highway 35 and Highway 35. Old Highway 35 will be paved from this intersection to River Heights
Trail, where a cul-de-sac will be constructed. The main park entrance will be situated approximately 500
feet west of the River Heights Trail and Old Highway 35 intersection and will consist of a driveway that
will lead to a main parking area. River Heights Trail will be widened to 22 feet between Old Highway 35
and the main park driveway entrance. Access to inholding properties will remain unaffected.

North of River Heights Trail, Old Highway 35 will be vacated, with private driveway easements granted
to property owners who currently access their properties via this section of the roadway. Signage will be
installed along Old Highway 35 and River Heights Trail to clearly distinguish public park access from
residential access.

Park access will branch off from River Heights Trail and be controlled by a gated entrance. A turnaround
will be constructed near the front gate to allow vehicles to reverse direction when the park is closed.

A 900-foot-long paved driveway will extend northwest from the gated entrance to reach the main
parking area. This will be a 22' wide driveway section with appropriate shoulders. It is anticipated that a
number of storm water retention facilites will be built somewhere along the 900-foot driveway to
control the rate of storm water run-off from the additional paved areas. The main parking lot will
measure approximately 130 feet by 230 feet and provide 80 to 100 paved parking spaces. Adequate
areas exist for a second phase of parking should it be warranted in the future.

Bicycle and pedestrian access to the park will be provided via the recently constructed off-road trail
along Highway 35, which extends northward from Hudson and North Hudson. Although the trail runs
along the east side of the highway near the park, a flashing beacon and designated crossing point,
installed during Phase One of the trail project, will enable safe crossing to the west side of Highway 35.
As part of the reconfigured intersection project, a bicycle lane will be added and marked, extending up
to the park's main entrance.

In the future, the Highway 35 off-road trail will be extended northward to the Loop Trail Trailhead in
Houlton. From Houlton, existing trails connect to Stillwater and the Regional Trail System of the Twin
Cities metropolitan area.

PARK AMENITIES

The park's main activity area will be located near the main parking lot as indicated on the Master Plan
Map. East of the parking lot, playground structures will be installed to engage and attract families.
Nearby, picnic tables and a picnic shelter will be added to offer visitors a comfortable place to eat and
shelter from the weather. To the north of the parking lot will be a flush toilet bathroom facility. Bicycle
rack facilities will also be installed.

Eckert Blufflands Park Master Plan 13

Extending northward and then east from the main parking area will be the East Trail Loop. This trail loop
will be constructed of gravel and crusher fines, and range in width from 8 to 10 feet with the ability of
upgrading to a bituminous surface in the future. A designated "active area" will be accessed off this
loop. This active area may include, but not be limited to, pickle ball courts, horseshoe pits, half-court
basketball court, and other activities. The easterly trail loop will extend through wooded areas in the
northeast corner of the park.

Extending north and northwest from the main parking area will be the West Trail Loop. This trail will
follow the edge of a tree line as it runs west to the St. Croix River. This trail loop will be at ADA-
accessible grade, be constructed of gravel and crusher fines, and range in width from 8 to 10 feet with
the ability to upgrade to a bituminous surface in the future. As the trail nears the bluff line of the St.
Croix River, plans include the construction of an overlook platform, designed to highlight views offered
by the 170-foot-high river bluffs across the St. Croix River Valley and a prime spot to bird watch. The
plan also includes the construction of a picnic shelter in this area along with the potential for the
construction of stairs to access the shoreline below.

At the northern end of the west trail loop, a trail connection is planned to extend into the northern third
of the park property. This area features uneven terrain, including steep to very steep slopes and ravines.
The trail in this section may be left as a dirt path or minimally improved with gravel or crusher fines in
some areas. These trails will likely vary from 2-6 feet in width due to terrain. This area is intended to
provide opportunities for more challenging hiking and rugged biking experiences.

The West Trail Loop will continue southward and run west of the main parking area and eventually cross
River Heights Trail for approximately 350-400 feet before turning back to the north. Sitting becnches will
be spaced along the various trail sections.

Future trail projects will branch off this trail section south of River Heights Trail and are shown on the
Master Plan Map. This loop trail will traverse wooded areas with ravines and include a number of swing
bridges. A trail will then run west from this area toward the Eckert Cabin. This cabin, built as the Eckert
family cabin in 1970 and included in the purchase of the Eckert property by the County in 2018, has the
potential to serve as an information center for the park. A section of trail is proposed from the Eckert
Cabin down to the shoreline of the St. Croix River. Where park boundaries abut private and inholding
properties along the shore of the St. Croix River, "Private Property" signs will be installed.

COOPERATION WITH GOVERNMENTAL AGENCIES

St. Croix County will contine to work with the Town of Hudson and Town of St. Joseph relating to the
planning and development of the park as the park boundaries lie in both jurisdictions. Portions of the
park property area are also located within the Lower St. Croix Riverway Overlay District and are subject
to development standards and regulations of these provisions. St. Croix County will be working closely
with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation in the design, permitting and construction of the
reconfigured intersection at Old Highway 35 and Highway 35.

Eckert Blufflands Park Master Plan 14

An approximate 40' x 60' maintenance shed for park vehicles and equipment is proposed south of River
Heights Trail near the entrance to the park. The building would be placed so as to minimize views from
River Heights Trail. The building would also include space for office and staff facilities.

LIGHTING

Park lighting will be designed with a focus on security while minimizing light pollution. Lighting will be
installed only in areas where it is necessary for safety and security, such as near the main parking lot,
bathroom facilities and maintenance building. Efforts will be made to use energy-efficient fixtures with
downward-facing shields to limit light spill and prevent unnecessary illumination of the entire property,
preserving the park's natural setting and surrounding environment.

XCEL ENERGY EASEMENT

Xcel Energy has been granted easements that allow for an electrical transmission line that traverses the
property. This permits Xcel Energy to be on the property to maintain or rebuild the line as needed.
While there is not a formal list of activities that are not allowed within the easement area, any plans for
work within the easement should consult Xcel Energy Engineering for review to ensure the proposed
work does not impact the utility lines. Key concerns include protection of the utility poles and ensuring
adequate clearances between the conductors are maintained.

PARK PROPERTY RESTRICTION

Currently, the southernmost 1.99 acres of the park property are limited to single-family residential use
through the Starr Wood Plat Covenants and Restrictions, executed by the Starrwood Homeowners
Association, Inc. The County may explore options to remove those restrictions which were placed on the
property after the County negotiated the purchase and shortly before closing on the property if any
future park development is intended in this area.

INTERPRETIVE PLAN

The Eckert Cabin will serve as an information center for the park. This may include the ability to provide
historic facts relating to the property along with information on park activites, site geology, biology, St.
Croix River, and other natural resources.

NATURAL RESOURCES PLAN

OVERVIEW

Site visits were conducted by Emmons & Olivier Resources, Inc. (consultants) at Eckert Blufflands
Park in the spring and summer of 2020 to evaluate the land's natural resources. Proper

Eckert Blufflands Park Master Plan 15

fascinating place to explore.
While much of the uplands were formerly grazed, farmed, or planted for timber, the park's steep
forested ravines and bluffs have limited human disturbance in some areas, preserving plant
communities in moderate to good ecological condition.
The highest quality native plant community on the site is a dry-mesic forest located on the side
slopes of the major ravine in the north/central part of the park. This area was likely never grazed
and has a sensitive forest floor.
The lowest quality natural communities are the surrogate grasslands (former crop fields) and pine
plantations, along with some of the forested areas that have been degraded by invasive species.

Eckert Blufflands Park Master Plan 16

Conservation and ecosystem management strategies will be used as Best Management Practices
(BMP's) at Eckert Blufflands. This will include implementation of sustainable land use
activities/practices and vegetation management. Every year staff will monitor the property for
erosion problems and try to enhance native plant communities.

INVASIVE MANAGEMENT APPROACH

The site's natural resources guided the design of the site, and management of its natural resources is an
integral part of providing a quality visitor experience and supporting healthy habitat for wildlife.
Because management of a park this size can be resource intensive, it is recommended that efforts be
prioritized in the following ways:
- The primary focus should be on preserving the integrity of the remaining native land cover types
by eliminating or reducing populations of garlic mustard, buckthorn, barberry, and black locust
within the areas listed as good quality
- Once small, outlying populations of invasives are well managed in the high-quality areas, work
managing invasive species within the moderate quality native plant communities should begin
- Infestations that abut already managed and good quality areas should be prioritized, to
maintain the status of work that has already been accomplished
- Habitat areas that exist in poor quality and altered/non-native land cover types, like the
black locust dominated woodland on the south and the pine plantations, are the lowest
priority. Eliminating invasives where they are dominant and well- established requires a
significant effort. Preventing spread of invasive populations to adjacent, higher quality
habitats is generally a more reasonable approach

Buckthorn is pervasive throughout the park property, except in the agricultural fields and shoreline
areas. Black locust dominates the dry-mesic forest south of the agricultural fields and is spreading
west into the oak woodland. It's also taking hold in the old field north of the conifer plantation.
Garlic mustard can be found throughout virtually all the woodland areas, except the small patch of
dry-mesic forest in the far north of the park. Other problematic invasives include Japanese hedge
parsley, Japanese barberry, and leafy spurge (which dominates the Xcel Energy transmission line
corridor).

Eckert Blufflands Park Master Plan 17

Eckert Blufflands Park Master Plan 18

OTHER NATURAL RESOURCE

RECOMMENDATIONS

- Field locate all trails and utilize
sustainable trail design principles in the
construction of the park's natural
surface trails, especially where they
traverse sensitive slopes and high-
quality areas
- Consider opportunities to educate the
public on ways to prevent invasive
species from spreading
- Consider organizing interested
volunteer groups for invasive species
monitoring and removal efforts

Eckert Blufflands Park Master Plan 19

Eckert Blufflands Park Master Plan 20

St. Croix County Community Development will continue to actively pursue grant and community
partnership opportunities for park development infrastructure.

Project Items 1 though 8 - Initial Phase (2025-2026) Estimated Cost
1. Reconfigured intersection of Old Highway 35 and Highway 35 with
bituminous upgrade up to Old Highway 35/River Heights Trail
intersection (includes striped bicycle lane)
2. Vacate portion of Old Highway 35 north of River Heights Trail and
establish private driveway easement to northernmost home on Old
Highway 35
3. Establish bituminous parking lot area and access drive to parking lot
area off River Heights Trail - approxiamte area of parking lot (130' x
230')
4. Establish gated access to park area and turn-around facility for vehicles
to reverse direction when park is closed
5. Install signage to delineate separate park access and access for
residences
6. Establsih storm water retention ponds along park access drive
7. Layout and clear East Trail (if funding allows) - approximately 3,300
feet
8. Establish West Trail (crusher fines and gravel surface) generally to the
area of River Heights Trail - approximately 4,000 feet $1,500,000

9. Flush Toilet Facilities, Electric, and Well $325,000
10. Playground and sitting benches $250,000
11. Picnic Shelter and Picnic Tables $125,000
12. Overlook to river, stairs to river, and picnic shelter $200,000
13. West Trail south of River Heights Trail and westward to Eckert Cabin
and river shoreline - includes two (2) swing bridges and set of stairs
near shoreline. Approx. 4,400 feet of trail. Includes property line
signage
14. East Trail signage, benches, and trail surface improvements $350,000
15. Active Sports area (northeast of main parking area) $150,000
16. Challenging terrain biking and hiking trails in north 1/3 of park
property (with assistance of local organizations) To be Determined
17. Maintenance Building Facility and related parking area $700,000
ESTIMATED PARK IMPROVEMENT TOTAL $3,600,000

Eckert Blufflands Park Master Plan 21

December 17, 2024 Open House:

1. Access consideration for narrow strip of land owned by Randy Wimer
2. Eckert Blufflands Park Plan much better now
3. Very strong objection to south entrance to Old Highway #35. Honor the original 2022 Master
plan and keep it on the north side to avoid sending all visitors to the houses on Old Highway #35

January 16, 2025 Community Development Committee meeting:

1. Adjacent property owner raised issues/concerns with switching access to the park by utilizing
Old Highway #35 and the impact of park traffic for this area, concern with the pedestrian
crossing on Highway #35 given current traffic speeds, and hunting concerns and signage for the
park boundary

February 18, 2025 Open House

1.

Eckert Blufflands Park Master Plan 22

Grant Application for Troy Beach

Cover Memo
To: Community Development Committee
From: Ken Witt, County Administrator
Jason Kjeseth, Community Development Director
Date: March 4, 2025
Agenda Item: Resolution Supporting 2025 Wisconsin DNR Recreational Boating Facilities Grant Application for
Troy Beach

Background Information:
The Parks Division would like the County Board's support to apply for the Wisconsin DNR's Recreational Boating Facilities
Grant Program. The purpose of this grant would be to make improvements at Troy Beach by adding a canoe/kayak and
paddle board launch on the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway. This new launch would also include an ADA accessible
mat/walkway to the shore of the St. Croix River. The parking lot would be updated to include an ADA parking stall, and
the new bathroom facility would have two ADA accessible unisex stalls. The current improvements are about 50 years
old and are not ADA accessible. The estimated project cost is $145,000 which would be cost shared at 50% if we were
awarded the grant. The Parks Division would use general budget and fund balance to cover the County's share of the
cost.

Resolution No. 8 (2025)

AI-generated analysis where available. Verify with official sources.

Summary: RESOLUTION ADOPTING AMENDMENTS TO THE ST. CROIX
COUNTY 2025-2045 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN

42 adoption of the amendments to the St. Croix County 2025-2045 Comprehensive Plan as the
43 County's comprehensive plan under Wisconsin Statute § 66.1001.
44
45 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the St. Croix County Community Development
46 Committee, pursuant to Wisconsin Statute § 66.1001(4)(b), will distribute the recommended
47 plan to the recipients listed in said statute.

Community Development Committee Recommended
MOVER: Ryan Sherley
SECONDER: Kerry Reis
AYES: Shawn Anderson, Scott Counter, Kerry Reis, Ryan Sherley, Jerry VanSomeren
EXCUSED: None

St. Croix County Board of Supervisors Action:
This Resolution was ADOPTED by the St. Croix County Board of Supervisors on March 4, 2025

___________________________________ ___________________________________
Bob Long, County Board Chair Christine Hines, County Clerk

MEMORANDUM

Subject: St. Croix County Comprehensive Proposed Plan Amendments
To: Jason Kjeseth, Community Development Director
Brett Budrow, Planning and Land Information Administrator
John Hilgers, Senior Planner

From: Nicole Peterson, Planner
Date: February 11, 2025

Proposed Amendments
The following list includes proposed amendments and staff corrections to the adopted St. Croix County Comprehensive
Plan 2024 dated 03/05/2024. Please reference attached draft plan amendment dated 02/11/2025. The page numbers
below correlate to the draft amendment document with adopted plan page numbers in parenthesis.

Acknowledgments

1. Page 1 Acknowledgments (Page 1 adopted plan): Added line: Amended: [Date of Board Approval]

Table of Contents - page numbers will be updated following approval
Introduction
No changes proposed

Land Use

2. Page 55 Future Land Use Plan Map (Page 55 adopted plan):
a. Future Land Use Map updated

Agriculture - Farmland Preservation Plan

3. Page 65: (Ag chapter) Ag Issues and Opportunities (Page 64 adopted plan): updated to reflect ag stats to 2022
a. The following summary of county agriculture trends were gathered from the USDA Ag Census with
detailed county data graphs and tables in this chapter. The agricultural data below identifies both issues
and opportunities that the County reviewed through this plan update.
1. Total agricultural sales increased more than $34 $110 million from 2007 to 2017 2022
2. St. Croix County's rank improved in the state of Wisconsin and the nation in the total value of all
agricultural products and the total value of crops
3. Farmland Acres - Decreasing since 1978 (365,832) to 2017 (279,191) 2022 (244,934)
4. Number of Farms - Steady decline in the number of farms since 2002 (1,863) to 2017 (1,444) to 2022
(1,192)
5. Farm Size - Number of farms over 1,000 acres has steadily increased since 2002 while the number of
farms from 50-999 acres have steadily declined since 2002
6. Livestock operation numbers decreasing since 1978 (454) to 2017 (271) 2022 (192)
7. Number of dairy operations have decreased since 1978 (734) to 2017 (126) 74 in 2022 (-597)

4. Page 72-73 (Ag chapter) Duplicate Future Land Use Map (Page 71 adopted plan): updated map

SCC Comprehensive Plan Memo Page 1 of 11

5. Page 78 Agricultural Sales (Page 75 adopted plan):
a. Paragraph 1 revised to: The graph and table below show the number of operations within each value of
farm sales in St. Croix County. Farm sales are directly linked to adjusted net income after asset
depreciation and expenses. Key findings from the data are highlighted below.
i. Share of small farms with < $5,000 in sales generally increased from 25% in 1978 to 41% in
2022. Notably, the percent share of small farms was at its highest in 2002 (58%), and has
decreased in recent years to the same share recorded in 1997 (41%).
ii. Medium-sized farms with $50,000- $99,999 in sales generally decreased from 27% in 1978 to
10% in 2022
iii. Large-sized farms with $500,000 or more in sales generally increased from 0% in 1978 to 7%
in 2022
The graph and table below show the number of operations within each value of farm sales in St. Croix
County. From 1978 - 2002, the percentage of farms with less than $5,000 in sales steadily increased
(25% - 58%), with a slight decrease from 2002 - 2017 (58% - 46%). From 1978 - 2017, the percentage of
farms with $50,000- $99,999 in sales generally decreased (27% - 8%). From 1978 - 2017, the percentage
of farms with $500,000 or more in sales increased (0% - 6%). These trends correspond to the decrease in
smaller acreage farms.
b. Added 2022 data to graph and table: Added % data to graph and inserted table including number of
farms providing more information, more efficiently for current and future analysis.

St. Croix County Farms by Value of Sales
1978 1982 1987 1992 1997 2002 2012 2017 2022
$0 to $4,999 427 459 392 374 624 1,088 620 671 491
$5000 to $9,999 208 178 168 149 141 138 97 117 112
$10,000 to $24,999 228 172 220 192 199 200 185 173 115
$25,000 to $49,999 265 194 197 144 132 105 93 89 101
$50,000 to $99,999 468 472 299 221 164 116 132 117 84
$100,000 to $249,999 122 226 263 246 185 137 128 116 121
$250,000 to $499,999 13 39 29 51 55 53 71 77 81
$500,000 or more 3 1 8 14 20 27 91 84 87
TOTAL 1,734 1,741 1,576 1,391 1,520 1,864 1,417 1,444 1,192
Source: U.S. Census of Agriculture 1978-2022

6. Page 80 Area County Compare Ag Sales (Page 76 adopted plan):
a. Paragraph 1 revised to: The table and graphs below show agricultural sales for St. Croix County and
surrounding counties (Dunn, Pierce, and Polk). According to the U.S Census of Agriculture, all counties
experienced increased sales between 2007 and 2022. St. Croix County farmers sold over $255 million
worth of agricultural products in 2022, with 52% percent of this value in livestock, poultry and related
products and 48% in crop sales. The share of crop sales as a percent of the total sales increased in all 4
counties. The county's agriculture based economy is strong and growing as total sales increased over
$110 million from 2007 to 2022.
b. Added 2022 data to graph and table:
Area County Compare - Annual Agricultural Sales
Dunn Pierce Polk St. Croix
2007 2017 2022 2007 2017 2022 2007 2017 2022 2007 2017 2022
Livestock/Poultry (Total) $122,165,000 $98,411,000 $213,747,000 $76,659,000 $80,540,000 $89,040,000 $83,188,000 $85,316,000 $105,390,000 $110,252,000 $98,331,000 $133,810,000
Dairy $80,354,000 $77,782,000 $164,649,000 $57,913,000 $58,270,000 $64,488,000 $57,835,000 $63,076,000 $74,689,000 $80,409,000 $80,842,000 $98,919,000
Cattle & Calves $16,878,000 $18,819,000 $36,865,000 $16,993,000 $21,212,000 $22,665,000 $11,293,000 $12,382,000 $14,015,000 $15,436,000 $16,117,000 $28,162,000
Poultry/Eggs (D) (D) 8797000 (D) $389,000 (D) $12,241,000 $8,931,000 $14,781,000 $11,443,000 (D) (D)
Hogs & Pigs (D) 1,371,000 2,301,000 $658,000 $242,000 $405,000 $366,000 (D) (D) $1,794,000 $899,000 $300,000
Horses & Ponies $490,000 (D) na $250,000 $409,000 na $94,000 $241,000 na $353,000 $298,000 na
Other Animals $781,000 $439,000 $598,000 $354,000 $18,000 $368,000 $539,000 $686,000 $457,000 $185,000 $175,000 $577,000
Crops/Nursery (Total) $51,438,000 $101,121,000 $167,578,000 $38,535,000 $61,918,000 $101,486,000 $20,472,000 $48,962,000 $83,679,000 $32,269,000 $78,743,000 $121,745,000
Grains $39,141,000 $82,139,000 $145,975,000 $30,883,000 $59,827,000 $90,298,000 $14,995,000 $40,642,000 $18,113,000 $23,647,000 $72,474,000 $109,837,000
Greenhouse/Nursery 314,000 (D) 1,179,000 $3,736,000 $534,000 $1,857,000 $1,193,000 (D) $3,147,000 $4,067,000 $164,000 $2,460,000
Vegetables -- 11,014,000 8,192,000 $1,097,000 $750,000 $637,000 $1,773,000 $4,113,000 $4,548,000 $2,115,000 $879,000 $1,945,000
Hay (D) 7,735,000 11,627,000 $1,940,000 $231,000 $7,842,000 $3,243,000 $4,207,000 $7,824,000 $2,153,000 $4,746,000 $6,712,000
Fruit/Berries (D) 233,000 (D) $756,000 $533,000 $762,000 $857,000 $347,000 $964,000 $163,000 $165,000 $332,000
Christmas Trees/Woody Shrubs (D) (D) (D) $122,000 $43,000 $90,000 $100,000 (D) $22,000 $124,000 $315,000 $459,000
Total All Sales $173,603,000 $199,532,000 $381,326,000 $115,194,000 $142,458,000 $190,526,000 $103,660,000 $134,278,000 $189,069,000 $142,521,000 $177,074,000 $255,555,000
Source: 2007, 2017, 2022 Census of Agriculture (D) Withheld to avoid disclosing data for individual farms.

SCC Comprehensive Plan Memo Page 2 of 11

7. Page 82 State and National Rank (Page 77 adopted plan):
a. Paragraph 1 revised to: The table and graphs below show St. Croix County agricultural sales rank within
state of Wisconsin (72 total counties), and the County's rank within the United States (3,143 total
counties). Key findings from the data are highlighted in the table and graphs below.
The table and graphs below show St. Croix County agricultural sales rank within state of Wisconsin (72
total counties), and the County's rank within the United States (3,143 total counties). According to the
most recent USDA Census of Agriculture, St. Croix County was ranked #27 in WI in 2017, improved from
#31 in 2007 in total value of all ag products. St. Croix County was ranked #564 in the US in 2017,
improved from #577 in 2007 in total value of all ag products. St. Croix County's rank improved in total
value of crops from #33 to #15 in WI and from #1,157 to #678 in the US. Overall, St. Croix County's rank
improved in the state of Wisconsin and the nation in the total value of all agricultural products and the
total value of crops.
b. Added 2022 data to graphs and table, changed graphs from bar to line for readability:
St. Croix County, WI State and National Rank

WI Rank US Rank
(72 total Counties) (3,143 total Counties)

2007 2017 2022 2007 2017 2022
Agricultural Sales
State Rank State Rank State Rank National Rank National Rank National Rank

Total Value All Ag Products 31 of 72 27 of 72 30 of 72 577 of 3,076 564 of 3,077 622 of 3,078
Dairy 22 of 70 22 of 68 28 of 66 82 of 2,493 103 of 1,892 122 of 1,770
Poultry/Eggs 9 of 72 10 of 72 (D) 533 of 3,020 (D) of 3,007 (D) of 3,027
Horses & Ponies 9 of 70 16 of 69 1 of 65 687 3,024 733 of 2,970 (D) of 2,907
Hogs & Pigs 15 of 71 16 of 71 28 of 68 783 of 2,922 603 of 2,856 685 of 2,814
Aquaculture 9 of 58 11 of 52 16 of 53 351 of 1,498 (D) of 1,251 (D) of 1,190
Total Value Livestock/Poultry/Products 25 of 72 30 of 72 32 of 72 337 of 3,069 475 of 3,073 510 of 3,076
Grains 26 of 71 10 of 72 13 of 72 923 of 2,933 563 of 2,916 574 of 2,917
Greenhouse/Nursery/Sod 18 of 70 15 of 71 27 of 71 542 of 2,703 406 of 2,601 667 of 2,660
Other Crops & Hay 21 of 72 24 of 72 31 of 71 811 of 3,054 522 of 3,040 517 of 3,035
Vegetables/Melons/Potatoes 33 of 71 44 of 72 35 of 72 564 of 2,796 782 of 2,821 649 of 2,831
Total Value Crops/Greenhouse/Nursery 33 of 72 15 of 72 22 of 72 1,157 of 3,072 678 of 3,073 698 of 3,074
Source: 2007 Census of Agriculture (D) Withheld to avoid disclosing data for individual farms, 2017, 2022 Ag Census County Profile

8. Page 84 County Sales and Labor (Page 78 adopted plan):
a. Paragraph 1 revised to: The following table and graph show the sales, expenses, labor and government
payments for St. Croix County agriculture producers from 1987-2022 Ag Census data. Total sales in the
county have consistently increased since 1987, with one slight exception in 1997. The same trend is
revealed in total farm production expenses. The data shows that hired farm labor number of operations
and number of workers have generally decreased since 1992. Farm labor wages have consistently
increased from 1992-2022.
b. Added 2022 data to graph and table:
St. Croix County Economics & Labor Impact of Agriculture

Item 1987 1992 1997 2002 2007 2017 2022 Notes
Commodity totals -
Total Sales $87,214,000 $91,849,00 $89,852,000 $97,863,000 $142,521,000 $189,083,000 $255,555,000
sales
Average Farm
Total Sales Average per Farm $85,840 $105,816 $119,009 $52,502 $78,828 $130,944 $214,391
Income
Expense totals,
Total Farm Production Expenses $69,510,00 $78,990,000 $74,569,000 $85,449,000 $125,694,000 $147,980,000 $199,518,000
operating
Total Farm Production Expenses Average Farm
$44,105 $56,786 $49,059 $45,695 $69,521 $102,479 $167,381
Average per Farm Expenses
Labor, hired
Hired Farm Labor (farms) NA 607 468 297 355 368 216
operations
Hired Farm Labor (workers) NA 1,817 1,591 1,210 1,310 1,238 996 Labor (# w orkers)
Labor hired
Hired Farm Labor (wages) NA $6,164,000 $6,122,000 $9,805,000 $14,123,000 $15,771,000 $18,755,000
expense total
Gov Programs Fed
Total Government Payments $6,678,000 $4,457,000 $5,240,556 $5,677,000 $4,957,000 $1,778,000 $2,542,000
Receipts
Source: US Census of Agriculture, Farms with sales Greater than $10,000

SCC Comprehensive Plan Memo Page 3 of 11

9. Page 86 Farms Number and Size (Page 79 adopted plan):
a. Paragraph 1 revised to: The graph and table below show the number and size of farm operations in St.
Croix County from 1978-2022. The data shows the decrease in the total number of farms from the year
1978 (1,734 farms) to the year 2022 (1,192 farms). The number of farms over 1,000 acres has increased
since 1978 while the number of farms less than 1,000 acres have declined since 1978, with a brief
exception from 1997-2007. The following graph shows the number of farms in 2 size categories including
less than 1,000 acres and more than 1,000 acres, and the total number of farms from 1978-2022.
The graph and table below show the number and size of farm operations in St. Croix County from 1978-
2017. The data shows the steady decline in the number of farms since 2002. The number of farms over
1,000 acres has steadily increased since 1978 while the number of farms less than 1,000 acres have
steadily declined since 1978, with a brief exception from 1997-2007. The following graph shows the
number of farms in 2 size categories including less than 1,000 acres and more than 1,000 acres.
b. Added 2022 data to graph and table:

St. Croix County Size & Number of Farms
Acres 1978 1982 1987 1992 1997 2002 2007 2012 2017 2022
1.0 to 9.9 Acres 54 88 64 66 47 100 62 97 99 97
10.0 to 49.9 Acres 225 277 247 218 316 566 583 455 501 422
50 to 179 Acres 631 615 565 480 585 731 739 500 472 345
180 to 499 Acres 701 641 571 496 460 348 312 251 248 211
500 to 999 Acres 106 99 107 109 82 82 73 72 78 62
1,000 or More Acres 17 21 22 22 30 36 39 42 46 55
Total Farms 1,734 1,741 1,576 1,391 1,520 1,863 1,808 1,417 1,444 1,192
1978 1982 1987 1992 1997 2002 2007 2012 2017 2022
Less than 1,000 acres 1,717 1,720 1,554 1,369 1,490 1,827 1,769 1,375 1,398 1,137
1,000 or more acres 17 21 22 22 30 36 39 42 46 55
Source: 1978-2002 from 2006 Heartland Plan, 2007-2022 USDA Census of Agriculture

10. Page 88 County Comparison (Number of Farms) (Page 80 adopted plan):
c. Paragraph 1 revised to: The graph and table below show an area county comparison of the number farm
operations in St. Croix, Polk, Pierce, and Dunn counties from 1987-201722. The data shows a fluctuation
in the number of farms since 1987. The number of farms has decreased areawide and in each county
from 1987-201722, with an exception of increase from 1997-2007.

d. Added 2022 data to graph and table:

Area County Compare - Number of Farms
1987 1992 1997 2002 2007 2012 2017 2022
Polk 1,487 1,315 1,625 1,620 1,583 1,313 1,313 1,066
Pierce 1,215 1,202 1,216 1,502 1,519 1,259 1,229 1,150
St. Croix 1,576 1,391 1,520 1,863 1,808 1,417 1,444 1,192
Dunn 1,501 1,390 1,690 1,654 1,655 1,404 1,288 1,209
Source: 2012, 2017, 2022 USDA Census of Agriculture, 1987-2002 from 2012 St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan

SCC Comprehensive Plan Memo Page 4 of 11

11. Page 90 County Comparison (Dairy Farms) (Page 81 adopted plan):
e. Paragraph 1 revised to: St. Croix County and the surrounding region has experienced a decrease in the
number of dairy operations since 1987. The number of dairy farms in the 4-County region has
consistently decreased from 2,783 in 1987 to 284 in 2022. St. Croix County had 671 dairy farms in 1987
and 74 in 2022 (-597). As shown in the graph and table below, St. Croix County and neighboring counties
Dunn, Pierce, and Polk have experienced decreased numbers of dairy farms over the past 30+ years.
St. Croix County and the surrounding region has experienced a decrease in the number of dairy
operations since 1987. The number of dairy farms in the 4-County region has consistently decreased from
2,783 in 1987 to 516 in 2017. St. Croix County had 671 dairy farms in 1987 and 143 in 2017, an over
300% percent decrease. As shown in the graph and table below, St. Croix County and neighboring
counties Dunn, Pierce, and Polk have experienced decreased numbers of dairy farms over the past 30
years.
f. Added 2022 data to graph and table, added total operations line to graph:

Area County Compare - Dairy Number of Operations (Cattle, Cows, Milk)
County 1987 1992 1997 2002 2007 2012 2017 2022
Dunn 899 675 499 310 260 199 129 78
Pierce 510 485 350 250 199 175 116 68
Polk 699 525 370 225 190 154 128 64
St. Croix 671 540 325 240 201 167 143 74
Total 2,779 2,225 1,544 1,025 850 695 516 284
Source: 2012, 2017, 2022 USDA Census of Agriculture, 1987-2002 from 2012 St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan

12. Page 92 Number of Cows County Compare (Page 82 adopted plan):
g. Paragraph 1 revised to: The County and region have experienced a general decrease in the total number
of cows since 1985. As seen in the graph and table below, the number of cows decreased in St. Croix
County from 1985-2021, with a slight increase in 2023, the number of cows has decreased in St. Croix
County since 1985. The most recent decrease between 2009 and 2021 was -4,100 cows. This trend is not
specific to St. Croix County as surrounding counties (Dunn, Pierce, and Polk) have also experienced losses.
h. Added 2023 data to graph:

Milk production data on the same page and next page of adopted plan is available in 2024 for WI state only,
not county. The 2021 data is the most recent for county and remains as reported in the adopted plan.

SCC Comprehensive Plan Memo Page 5 of 11

13. Page 94-95 Crop Type Acres (Page 84 adopted plan):
a. Paragraph 1 revised to: The following graph and table show the number of acres of specific crops in St.
Croix County in 1970, 1990, 2002, 2017, and 2022. According to the USDA 2017 Ag Census, the following
trends have occurred.
- Barley acres decreased to zero in 2022
- Corn grain acres decreased by -4,372 from 2017-2022
- Hay acres have decreased by -19,038 -10,594 from 2017-2022
- Oats acres decreased by -1,016 from 2017-2022
- Soybeans acres increased by 4,223 from 2017-2022
- Wheat acres increased by 162 from 2017-2022
The following graph and table show the number of acres of specific crops in St. Croix County in 1970,
1990, 2002, and 2017. According to the USDA 2017 Ag Census, the number of acres of harvested corn
grain have decreased by - 5753 from 2002-2017, the number of acres of oats have decreased by -
10,574 from 2002-2017, the number of acres of barley have decreased by - 947 from 2002-2017, the
number of acres of soybeans have increased by 26,080 from 2002-2017, and the number of acres of hay
have decreased by - 17,789 from 2002-2017.
b. Removed barley from graph. Added wheat to graph and table. Alphabetized the crop list in text, graph,
and table for readability.
c. Added 2022 Ag Census data to graph and table. Hay acres were updated change 2017 to 2022 from -
19,038 to -10,594. Data added to graph. Grey lines added to table for readability.

St. Croix County Crop Acres
Crop Type 1970 Change 1990 Change 2002 Change 2017 Change 2022 Ag Census Notes
Barley 850 850 1,700 -700 1,000 -947 53 -53 0
Corn 51,800 33,000 84,800 1,200 86,000 -5,753 80,247 -4,372 75,875 Corn, Grain
Hay 79,300 -14,600 64,700 -7,400 57,300 -17,789 39,511 -10,594 28,917
Oats 47,000 -17,900 29,100 -16,500 12,600 -10,574 2,026 -1,016 1,010
Soybeans 2,600 13,700 16,300 14,700 31,000 26,080 57,080 4,223 61,303
Wheat na na 371 2,921 3,292 -3,006 286 162 448
Source: 1970, 1990, 2002 from 2006 Heartland Plan, 2017, 2022 USDA Census of Agriculture

14. Page 99 Farm Types (Page 86 adopted plan):
a. Paragraph 1 revised to: The following graph and tables show the number of different types of farms in
St. Croix County. The Ag Census types have changed over time. The 2017, 2022 Ag Census utilized
detailed North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) codes shown in the bottom table. To
compare the data and identify trends, the 2017 new categories were combined into the types from 1978-
2002, as shown in the top table and graph. The data reveals that the number of crop farms have
increased since 1978 and the number of dairy farms has decreased since 1978.

SCC Comprehensive Plan Memo Page 6 of 11

b. Added 2022 Ag Census data to graph and table. Re-formatted graph with blue bars for animal farm
types and green bars for crop farm types. Re-formatted bottom graph to fit onto page and provided
sub-totals for animal and crop.

St. Croix County Combined Farm Types and Number of Farms
1978 1982 1987 1992 1997 2002 2017 2022
Other Crop Other crop farming (1119) (Tobacco, Cotton, Sugarcane farming,
hay farming, and all other crop farming) 102 81 85 83 53 78 375 278
Field Crops (other than cash grains) (Vegetable and melon farming (1112) ,
Fruit and tree nut farming (1113), Greenhouse, nursery, and floriculture
production (1114), Aquaculture and other animal production (1125, 1129) 96 83 125 115 147 664 85 89
Cash Grains (Oilseed and grain farming (1111) - 'grain' interpreted as: Corn,
Soybeans, Oats 264 231 226 182 489 280 385 363
Other Animal & Poultry (Hog and pig farming (1122) ,Poultry and egg
production (1123) Sheep and goat farming (1124) 84 86 88 103 101 216 202 218
Dairy (Dairy cattle and milk production -11212) 734 762 630 511 338 228 126 52
Livestock (Beef cattle ranching and farming -112111, Cattle feedlots (112112) 454 498 422 397 392 398 271 192
TOTAL Farms 1,734 1,741 1,576 1,391 1,520 1,864 1,444 1,192
Source: U.S. Census of Agriculture, 1978 - 2022. Note: 2017, 2022 Ag Census utilized North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) codes
combined for historic comparison. Data is subject to interpretation.

USDA Ag Census Farm Types NAICS 2017 2022 USDA Ag Census Farm Types NAICS 2017 2022
Oilseed and grain farming (1111) 385 363 Beef cattle ranching and farming (112111) 258 164
Vegetable and melon farming (1112) 11 16 Cattle feedlots (112112) 13 28
Fruit and tree nut farming (1113) 29 37 Dairy cattle and milk production (11212) 126 52
Greenhouse, nursery, and floriculture production (1114) 45 36 Hog and pig farming (1122) 12 14
Other crop farming (1119) (Tobacco, Cotton, Sugarcane
farming, hay farming, and all other crop farming) 375 278 Poultry and egg production (1123) 22 17
Sub-total Crops 845 730 Sheep and goat farming (1124) 32 52
Source: U.S. Census of Agriculture, North American Industry Classification Aquaculture and other animal production (1125, 1129) 136 135
System (NAICS) codes Sub-total Animal 599 462

15. Page 101 Farm Income - Expenses (Page 87 adopted plan):
a. Removed redundant heading: SCC Farm Income/Expenses
b. Paragraph 1 revised to: The graph and table below show average farm income and expenses in St. Croix
County. The USDA Ag Census data reported a fluctuation in farm income from 1978-2017. Farm
expenses have fluctuated since 1987.
c. Added 2022 Ag Census data to graph and table. Re-formatted graph to reflect $ total rather than %:

St. Croix County Per Farm Average 1987 1992 1997 2002 2017 2022
Average Income (Market value of products sold) $56,625 $67,295 $60,267 $52,502 $130,944 $214,391
Average Expense (Total farm production expenses) $44,105 $56,786 $49,059 $45,695 $102,479 $167,381
Difference $12,520 $10,509 $11,208 $6,807 $28,465 $47,010
Source: 1987-2002 Previous comprehensive plan, 2017 & 2022 U.S. Census of Agriculture County Profiles

16. Page 101 Farm Operator Characteristics (Page 88 adopted plan, now page 87 combined):
a) Condensed onto same page with Farm Income-Expenses
b) Paragraph 1 revised to: The graph and table below show farm operator characteristics in St. Croix
County.
SCC Comprehensive Plan Memo Page 7 of 11

c) Added 2022 Ag Census data to graph and table. Revised data from the Ag Census County Profiles for
2017 and 2022: Avg per farm of 'Market value of products sold' and 'Total farm production expenses'.

St. Croix County Farm Operator Characteristics
1978 1982 1987 1992 1997 2002 2017 2022
Individual/Family Farms 1,537 1,505 1,346 1,193 1,341 1,672 96 95
Average Years on Present Farm 16 16 19 21 22 21 24 25
Male Operators 1,689 1,682 1,528 1,317 1,386 1,643 1,548 1,326
Female Operators 45 59 48 74 134 221 877 788
Source: 1978 - 2022 from previous comprehensive plan, 2017, 2022 U.S. Census of Agriculture County Profiles

17. Page 104 Direct Market Sales (Page 89 adopted plan):
a) Paragraph 1 revised to: The graph and table below show an area county comparison of the direct
market sales in St. Croix, Polk, Pierce, and Dunn counties from 2002-2017 2002-2022. The data shows an
increase in total sales in the 4-County region since 2002, with a slight decrease from 2007 to 2012.
Products include, but are not limited to, purchases from farmers' markets, road side stands, and large
meat orders. The number of direct market farms in the County increased from 112 in 2002 to 124 in
2022. 112 to 115 farms from 2002 to 2017. These farms are producing food for the local/regional food
market and selling large quantities to grocery stores and restaurants.
b) Added 2022 Ag Census data to graph and table. Revised data from the Ag Census County Profiles for
2017 from Table 2 for Polk and Dunn.
Area County Compare - Direct Market Sales
County 2002 2007 2012 2017 2022
Dunn $ 445,000 $ 890,000 $ 732,000 $ 310,000 $ 549,000
Pierce $ 430,000 $ 720,000 $ 762,000 $ 1,223,000 $ 599,000
Polk $ 210,000 $ 710,000 $ 894,000 $ 910,000 $ 1,038,000
St. Croix $ 299,000 $ 799,000 $ 660,000 $ 721,000 $ 553,000
Total $ 1,384,000 $ 3,119,000 $ 3,048,000 $ 3,164,000 $ 2,739,000
St. Croix County Direct Market Number of Farm Operations
St. Croix 112 136 122 115 124
Source: 2012, 2017, 2022 USDA Census of Agriculture, and 2012 St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan

18. Page 106 Organic Farms (Page 90 adopted plan):
a) Paragraph 1 revised to: St. Croix County organic agriculture peaked in 2017 and has since decreased as
reported in the 2022 Census of Agriculture. The number of organic operations and sales decreased in
2022. The graph and table below show organic operations and sales from 2012 to 2022. is growing.
The number of total organic operations and operations with sales grew from 2012 to 2017 in the county.
Organic sales in St. Croix County more than doubled from $1,421,000 in 2012 to $3,661,000 in 2017. The
table below shows agriculture census comparison data from 2012-2017.
b) Added 2022 Ag Census data to graph and table. Revised data for 2017 from Table 42. Removed US map
figure. Enlarged St. Croix County data graph and table.

19. Page 108 Agribusiness (Page 91 adopted plan):
a) Shortened heading: Agricultural Infrastructure & Agribusiness
b) Paragraph 1 revised to: Agribusiness is the economic sector for farming-related commerce. Agribusiness
includes agricultural equipment and services used in production, processing, and distribution. The North
American Industry Classification System (NAICS) classifies business establishments for the purpose of
collecting and publishing statistical data related to the U.S. business economy. The following graph and
SCC Comprehensive Plan Memo Page 8 of 11

table show select agricultural businesses and services number of operations in St. Croix County. The
following table shows agricultural infrastructure and support businesses and services for agriculture in
St. Croix County.
c) Added 2020 US Census data to table. Added graph of main 2-digit NAICS categories. Revised data to
accommodate 2022 NAICS codes and combined relevant sub-categories for years 1987- 2007 to
compare data and identify trends.
St. Croix County Agribusinesses - Number of Operations
NAICS Category NAICS # 1987 1992 1997 2002 2007 2017 2020
Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Hunting 11 23 28 41 60 69 6 6
Support Activities for Agriculture and Forestry 115 23 28 41 60 69 6 6
Manufacturing Total Relevant Sub-Categories 31-33 10 11 14 15 18 53 44
Food manufacturing 311 9 10 12 13 15 15 13
Beverage and tobacco product manufacturing 312 NA NA NA NA NA 8 4
Wood product manufacturing 321 NA NA NA NA NA 7 7
Machinery manufacturing 333 1 1 2 2 3 23 20
Wholesale Trade Total Relevant Sub-Categories 42 6 6 12 13 5 22 22
Machinery, Equipment, and Supplies 4238 6 6 9 9 2 19 19
Farm Product Raw Material 4245 NA NA 3 4 3 3 3
Total Agribusinesses NA 39 45 67 88 92 81 72
Source: U.S. Census, County Business Patterns, North American Industry Code System (NAICS) 2022, combined categories for 1987-2007
b) Removed Agricultural Storage - No comparable data. In recent years, agricultural storage facilities have
been shifting to privately-owned, on-farm or regional facilities that are not located within St. Croix
County. As the size of farms increases this is expected to continue. The figure below shows the
increasing number of bushels of grain being stored onsite, even when the number of farms doing so
decreased between 2002 and 2007.

20. Page 110 Irrigation Operations (Page 92 adopted plan):
a) Paragraph 1 revised to: The graph and table below show the area comparison of total number of
irrigation operations (AG LAND, IRRIGATED - NUMBER OF OPERATIONS) in St. Croix, Polk, Pierce and
Dunn counties. According to the data, the number of ag land irrigated operations has consistently
increased since 2002 in the 4-county region.
b) Added 2020 US Census data to table and graph
Area County Compare - Irrigation Operations
2002 2007 2012 2017 2022
Dunn 61 61 73 92 119
Pierce 29 42 33 41 60
Polk 28 39 56 62 63
St. Croix 46 61 61 68 79
Total 164 203 223 263 321
Source: 2012, 2017, 2022 USDA Census of Agriculture, 2012 St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan

21. Page 115 Agriculture Farmland Preservation Plan Goals and Objectives (Page 92 adopted plan):
c) Goal 1, added Objective 1.4: Encourage utility scale energy generation (solar) to be sited in areas not
considered farm land preservation or prime agricultural land.

Natural Resources
No changes proposed, relevant existing provisions listed below.
1. Natural Resources chapter Pg 134 of the PH draft CP. Emerging Contaminants: Polyfluoroalkyl substances
(PFAS) are a large group of man-made chemicals that have been used in various industrial and consumer
products since the 1950s.
2. Natural Resources chapter Pg 150 PH CP. Objective 1.19 Manage renewable energy that respects and protects
natural resources.
3. Natural Resources chapter Pg 151 PH CP. Surface Waters and Wetlands Policies: #12. Promote agricultural and
land use practices, which protect surface and groundwater quality including proper erosion control, nutrient
management and storm water management strategies and practices.
4. Natural Resources chapter Pg 153 PH CP. Renewable Energy Policies: #48. Evaluate large scale renewable
energy proposals for impacts to local surface and groundwater resources...
SCC Comprehensive Plan Memo Page 9 of 11

Transportation

22. Page 173: Railroad (Page 154 adopted plan): All references of Pacific to National

23. Page 184 Transportation Goals & Objectives (Page 164 adopted plan):
a) Add underlined language in objective 2.3 under Goal 2: Provide neighborhoods and communities in our
county that are efficiently connected with each other and the region, moving people and freight through
a variety of transportation modal options.
Objective 2.3 Encourage intergovernmental cooperation, at all appropriate levels, and planning as
crucial to ensuring a connected, consistent, safe, accessible, and effective transportation network.
Strongly encourage coordination between federal agencies, states and county governments to achieve
policy consistency and resolve conflicts including any projects with Federal or State funding.

Economic Development
24. Page 207 (Economic Development chapter) Duplicate Future Land Use Map (Page 186 adopted plan): updated
map

Housing
No changes proposed

Utilities and Community Facilities

25. Page 261 Utilities and Community Facilities Goals and Objectives Policies (Page 237 adopted plan):
d) Added Policy sub-heading and policies:
Renewable Energy
i. Encourage small renewable energy systems instead of large utility scale systems.
ii. Encourage adequate training of emergency services personnel for responding to renewable
energy systems
iii. Ensure adequate financial assurance for decommissioning of renewable energy systems
iv. Encourage owners of large renewable energy systems to follow St. Croix County ordinance and
WI State Statute and Administrative Code requirements

Cultural Resources
No changes proposed

Intergovernmental Cooperation

26. Page 279 Existing or Potential Challenges and Opportunities (Page 257 adopted plan):
a) Add the following draft language in an additional bullet point:
- Federal - State - County Coordination: Coordination between federal agencies, states and
county governments is essential to achieving policy consistency and to resolve conflicts. Leading
practices in collaboration across levels of government include the following: Define common outcomes,
Ensure accountability, Bridge organizational cultures, Identify and sustain leadership, Clarify Roles and
responsibilities, Include relevant participants, Leverage resources and information, and Develop and
update written guidance and agreements. Source of practices: U.S. Government Accountability Office
https://www.gao.gov/. Leading Practices in Collaboration Across Government. The GAO also offers
information regarding Federalism.

SCC Comprehensive Plan Memo Page 10 of 11

27. Page 282 Intergovernmental Cooperation Goals & Objectives (Page 260 adopted plan):
a) Add underlined objective to Goal 1: Maintain mutually beneficial relationships with local government
entities, neighboring counties, State and Federal agencies, school districts and other quasi-governmental
agencies serving county residents.
Objective 1.4: Strongly encourage coordination between federal agencies, states and county
governments to achieve policy consistency and resolve conflicts.

Implementation

28. Page 291-292 Implementation Chapter - Intergovernmental Cooperation: (Page 268 adopted plan):
b) Add an objective (#12) to the table: Encourage coordination between federal agencies, states and
county governments to achieve policy consistency and resolve conflicts.

Intergovernmental Cooperation Provisions or Actions Timeline
1 Encourage and participate in sewer service area planning. Ongoing
Protect and manage identified unique open space areas, through the cooperation of state and federal
2 Ongoing
agencies, local governments, conservation groups, and landowners.
3 Work with state agencies to enforce regulations that protect the Lower St. Croix National Scenic Riverway. Ongoing
Cooperate with the Lower St. Croix River Management Commission and others in comprehensive riverway
4 Ongoing
planning and management efforts.
Encourage the restoration of prairie or grassland ecosystems through cooperative efforts of the state, county
5 Ongoing
and federal agencies, and landowners.
Update and enhance shoreland ordinances based on the most up-to-date State revisions to provide greater
6 Ongoing
shoreland habitat protection on sensitive shorelines and lakes.
Promote the use of shoreland habitat restoration as a best management practice. Work with state agencies,
7 Lake Districts and Lake Associations to support the enforcement of regulations that protect and restore Ongoing
shoreland habitat.
Work with the local governments and the state to determine, and plan for, necessary local improvements to
8
the transportation system in St. Croix County. Ongoing
Encourage the state to consider local planning findings, goals, objectives and policies when planning major
9 Ongoing
transportation facilities.
Work with local communities and state and federal agencies to implement the St. Croix County Bicycle and
10 Ongoing
Pedestrian Plan.
Work with local municipalities to improve St. Croix County Zoning ordinances regarding property maintenance
11 Ongoing
and nuisance issues.
Strongly encourage coordination between federal agencies, states and county governments to achieve policy
12 Ongoing
consistency and resolve conflicts.

SCC Comprehensive Plan Memo Page 11 of 11

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Adopted on March 5, 2024
Amended: _ [Date of Board Approval]__
St. Croix County Board of Supervisors
Resolution No. 9 (2024)
Ordinance No. 928 (2024)

Board of Supervisors
Bob Long, Chair
Bob Feidler, Vice Chair
Lisa Lind
Shawn Anderson
Cathy Leaf
Carah Koch
Paul Adams
Paul Berning
Rick Ottino
Dave Ostness
Scott Counter
Daniel Hansen
Ryan Sherley
Greg Tellijohn
Mark Carlson
Mike Barcalow
Bob Swanepoel
Jerry VanSomeren
Tim Ramberg

Community Development Committee
Daniel Hansen, Chair
Scott Counter, Vice Chair
Shawn Anderson, Secretary
Ryan Sherley
Jerry VanSomeren
Dick Hesselink, FSA Representative

Prepared by: St. Croix County Community Development Department

St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan Adopted 03/05/2024 Draft Amendment 02/11/2025 Page 1 of 380

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Acknowledgments ......................................................................... 1
Table of Contents .......................................................................... 2
Introduction .................................................................................. 3
Land Use ...................................................................................... 34
Agriculture - Farmland Preservation Plan ........................... 646463
Natural Resources ........................................................... 11811599
Transportation .............................................................. 154151135
Economic Development ................................................ 188183167
Housing ......................................................................... 213207191
Utilities and Community Facilities ................................. 228222206
Cultural Resources ........................................................ 262256240
Intergovernmental Cooperation ................................... 271265249
Implementation ............................................................ 286279263
Appendix A: UWRF Survey Report ................................ 293285269
Appendix B: General Public Survey Report .................. 354346330

St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan Adopted 03/05/2024 Draft Amendment 02/11/2025 Page 2 of 380

INTRODUCTION

St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan Adopted 03/05/2024 Draft Amendment 02/11/2025 Page 3 of 380

Plan Purpose
In compliance with Wisconsin Statutes 66.1001 Comprehensive planning, the purpose of this St. Croix County
Comprehensive Plan is to guide and accomplish a coordinated, adjusted, and harmonious development of
the community which will, in accordance with existing and future needs, best promote public health, safety,
morals, order, convenience, prosperity, or the general welfare, as well as efficiency and economy in the
process of development. The plan provides an inventory of county assets and issues to determine the local
needs, identify goals and objectives, and develop measurable steps towards achievement of those goals. The
comprehensive plan provides a set of informational resources and a policy framework for development
within the county.

Issues & Opportunities
The following issues and opportunities were identified through the planning process and a county-wide
resident survey conducted by the University of Wisconsin-River Fall Survey Research Center in 2022-2023
(see Appendix A). Certain trends become apparent after reviewing the countywide demographic and
economic information. Studying these trends and their implications on local quality of life will be useful in
guiding public decision making. Since 1970, St. Croix County has experienced some of the fastest population
growth in the state; however, being part of the Minneapolis/St. Paul metropolitan area, it is clear its future
is somehow linked to the vitality of the area. Indeed, amongst the rural population there has been a
transformation from a largely farm population to a rural non-farm population.

Since 1960 St. Croix County has seen fairly constant natural increase in population with two periods where
in-migration exceeded natural increase (1970-1980 and 1990-2010). It is clear that the national trend of an
aging population is reflected in St. Croix County. Large numbers of people will be achieving retirement age
over the next 20 years. While the St. Croix County population will be aging, it will also be changing its racial
and ethnic characteristics. The County's Asian and Hispanic populations can be expected to continue to
increase.

St. Croix County residents have become more educated over the past several decades. Without adequate
employment opportunities this can lead to the loss of increasingly well-qualified individuals moving to other
areas offering those opportunities. While about 41 percent of St. Croix County workers commute to the Twin
Cities, or outside WI, local employment is fairly strong, especially in the manufacturing sector.

Overall, the trends reveal that St. Croix County will continue to experience modest growth in population and
employment, and its communities will face several challenges as a result. Each chapter element of this
comprehensive plan provides a set of informational resources and a policy framework for development
within the county.

St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan Adopted 03/05/2024 Draft Amendment 02/11/2025 Page 4 of 380

Findings and Issues

1. St. Croix County is expected to add 25,474 people by 2040.
2. From 2010-2020, the highest percent population growth (20-25.7%) occurred in New Richmond,
Town of Richmond, and Town of Hammond.
3. Most of St. Croix County's population growth occurred in the western third of the county.
4. Since 1960, the county has experienced increased non-farm residents in rural areas.
5. Since 1990, the county's components of population change revealed that in-migration exceeded
natural increases (1990-2000, 2000-2010 and 2010-2020).
6. St. Croix County is expected to add 5,271 new housing units by 2030.
7. 31 of 35 municipalities have comprehensive plans; many plans and ordinances overlap in jurisdiction
and contain conflicting policies and regulations.
8. Uneven growth in the County has created challenges when developing county wide land use
ordinances and policies.
9. Recruitment of agricultural and high tech industry. Commented [BB1]: What about this finding?
10. Large numbers of people will be reaching retirement age over the next 20 years.
11. St. Croix County will continue to experience modest growth in population, housing and employment.
12. Growth and development in the unincorporated areas of the County has resulted in the loss of prime
agricultural land and has resulted in more households that are distant from essential services
typically found in villages and cities (public sewer and water, health, school, parks, retail/services)
resulting in additional traffic and vehicle miles traveled on rural roads and highways.
13. Scattered rural subdivisions of 2 to 5 acre lots have resulted in disjointed and inefficient land use
patterns jeopardizing the rural character and agricultural nature of the unincorporated areas.
14. Some private water wells serving homes in the unincorporated areas are seeing increasing levels of
nitrates and phosphorus.
15. UWRF survey results indicate that residents are very satisfied with their quality of life in St. Croix
County. About 92% of residents indicated that their quality of life is good or excellent. Only 1% of
residents in the sample indicated that it was poor, and no resident indicated that their quality of life
was very poor. Households with children are more likely to say that their quality of life is excellent
relative to households without children.
16. UWRF survey results indicate that the top three reasons residents choose to live in St. Croix County
include the small-town atmosphere and rural character, proximity to family and friends, and
proximity to the Twin Cities.
17. UWRF survey results indicate that about 43% of residents feel that quality of life in St. Croix County
will worsen over the next 10 years, and another 44% feel that it will stay the same. Only 13% of
residents feel that quality of life will improve. New residents are more optimistic about changes in
quality of life relative to longer-term residents.
18. UWRF survey results indicate that when asked about the one thing residents want to change about
St. Croix County, in open ended comments, residents indicated that they would lower taxes, slow
population growth and the urban sprawl from the Twin Cities, address excessive commercial and
housing development, reduce government regulation, alleviate traffic congestion, and improve roads
in the County.
19. UWRF survey results indicate that a significant proportion of residents (43%) feel that St. Croix County
has experienced too much population growth over the past 10 years. Only 1% feel that population
growth was too little. A greater proportion of residents who have lived in the County for 5 or more
years feel that the County experienced too much growth relative to newer residents.

St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan Adopted 03/05/2024 Draft Amendment 02/11/2025 Page 5 of 380

Opportunities
1. Communities should use coordination and joint planning to promote land-use compatibility,
conserve resources, and establish infrastructure linkages and systems. It is important to streamline
procedures and review processes with greater emphasis on consistency between communities.
2. Intergovernmental cooperation will increase as State, County, and local budgets become more
limiting, and partnerships are pursued.
3. St. Croix County's population will continue to grow, and housing will increase to meet the need.
Economic development should occur to provide jobs and secure a high quality of life. The County
will evaluate development design and density in the unincorporated areas.
4. The I-94 corridor presents a unique economic opportunity. The County's portion of I-94 is the second
most heavily traveled segment of interstate highway in Wisconsin. The county should collaborate
with corridor communities to study a comprehensive sewer system along the I-94 corridor to
promote economic opportunities and efficient land use.
5. UWRF Survey results indicate a high desire of protecting natural resources including groundwater
and surface water quality.
6. UWRF survey results indicate that about half or more of residents indicated that the most
important actions for the County to pursue would be to preserve the County's rural and small-town
character and to preserve the water quality. About one-third of residents indicated that the County
should work to minimize the urban sprawl.

Element issues and opportunities that affect St. Croix County communities are stated within the Goals,
Objectives, and Policies within each element chapter of the plan. The goals, objectives and policies address
the county's issues and identify opportunities and solutions in each element chapter including: Land Use,
Farmland Preservation Plan & Agricultural Resources, Natural Resources, Transportation, Economic
Development, Housing, Utilities & Community Facilities, Cultural Resources, and Intergovernmental
Cooperation.

St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan Adopted 03/05/2024 Draft Amendment 02/11/2025 Page 6 of 380

Plan Process

This St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan 2024-2045 is an update of the adopted 2012-2035 Comprehensive Commented [JH2]: Statute requires a 20-year planning window
Plan. The impetus for the plan update is the recent release of 2020 census demographics and the -66.1001(2)a
recommended 10-year update by Wisconsin Statutes §66.1001 comprehensive planning. The plan update
process began in August 2022 and proceeded through March 2024.

St. Croix County Plan Development Timeline
Date Event
Wisconsin State's comprehensive planning law signed by Governor Thompson
October 1999
(Wisconsin Statutes 66.1001 Comprehensive planning)
Adoption of Development Management Plan: First county-wide comprehensive plan
March 2000
(Developed 1997-2000)
November 2008 County process began to update the 2000 plan
Under Wisconsin Statutes 66.1001(3) County actions shall be consistent with the
comprehensive plan including:
(g) Official mapping established or amended under s. 62.23 (6).
(h) Local subdivision regulation under s. 236.45 or 236.46.
January 1, 2010
(j) County zoning ordinances enacted or amended under s. 59.69.
(k) City or village zoning ordinances enacted or amended under s. 62.23 (7).
(l) Town zoning ordinances enacted or amended under s. 60.61 or 60.62.
(q) Zoning of shorelands or wetlands in shorelands
St. Croix County Board of Supervisors Adopted Resolution #24(2012) and Ordinance
November 5, 2012
#818(2012) approving the 2012-2035 Comprehensive Plan
Adoption of St. Croix County Zoning Ordinance, updated consistent with comprehensive
November 5, 2019
plan
St. Croix County Board of Supervisors Adopted Resolution #44(2022) approving the
November 1, 2022
comprehensive plan update public participation plan
March 5, 2024 Adoption of County Comprehensive Plan 2024-2045
Plan Organization
This plan is organized with the Wisconsin Statutes §66.1001 1. Issues & Opportunities
comprehensive planning elements including the listed plan 2. Land Use
sections (Right). This plan combines the two previous volumes 3. Agriculture - Farmland
of the comprehensive plan. The plan goals, objectives, and Preservation Plan
policies are found within each chapter of the plan. 4. Natural Resources
Goals: General statements of desired outcomes of the 5. Transportation
community; broadly written but specific enough to be able to 6. Economic Development
7. Housing
gauge progress
8. Utilities & Community
Objectives: More specific and subset of goals; providing
Facilities
measurable strategies 9. Cultural Resources
Policies: "Operational Actions" to meet goals and objectives; 10. Intergovernmental
identify existing policies, and those requiring further approval Cooperation

St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan Adopted 03/05/2024 Draft Amendment 02/11/2025 Page 7 of 380

Public Participation
On November 1, 2022, St. Croix County Board of Supervisors Adopted Resolution #44(2022) approving the
comprehensive plan update public participation plan. The resolution outlined the participation procedures
to solicit public opinion. County staff implemented the public participation strategies throughout the plan
update process including hosting a Comprehensive Plan webpage on the county website, shown below.

The University of Wisconsin - Rive

AI-generated analysis where available. Verify with official sources.

Summary: RESOLUTION APPROVING TOWN OF HUDSON REZONING FOR
2.849 ACRES FROM RESIDENTIAL TO INDUSTRIAL

42 WHEREAS, on January 7, 2025, the Town of Hudson Town Board held a properly
43 noticed public hearing to take public comment and to consider the recommendation of the Plan
44 Commission; and
45
46 WHEREAS, on January 7, 2025, the Town of Hudson Town Board approved the
47 rezoning application; and
48
49 WHEREAS, Wisconsin Statute § 60.62(3) states that in counties having a county zoning
50 ordinance no town ordinance amendment is effective unless approved by the county board; and
51
52 WHEREAS, St. Croix County has a zoning ordinance; and
53
54 WHEREAS, the St. Croix County Community Development Committee has reviewed
55 the proposed amendment and recommends approval.
56
57 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the St. Croix County Board of
58 Supervisors approves the amendment to the Town of Hudson Zoning Ordinance described
59 above.

Community Development Committee Recommended
MOVER: Jerry VanSomeren
SECONDER: Ryan Sherley
AYES: Shawn Anderson, Scott Counter, Kerry Reis, Ryan Sherley, Jerry VanSomeren
EXCUSED: None

St. Croix County Board of Supervisors Action:
This Resolution was ADOPTED by the St. Croix County Board of Supervisors on March 4, 2025

__________________________________ __________________________________
Bob Long, County Board Chair Christine Hines, County Clerk

02/07/2025

To: St Croix County Board/Corporation Council

From: American Tissue Services Foundation:

RE: Donation Award Patty Schachtner and St Croix County Medical Examiner's Office:

I am pleased to inform you that Patty Schachtner, St Croix County Medical Examiner is being
recognized by American Tissue Services Foundation (ATSF) for her outstanding efforts in
providing families with tissue donation options.

American Tissue Services Foundation would like to recognize this achievement with a small
celebration to recognize all of your hard work and dedication to donation. The work you and
your staff does has helped donor families create a legacy and makes something positive at a
difficult time in their lives. We would like to present to you an achievement certificate along
with a commemorative donor awareness recognition award, which can be displayed to show
your care and concern for donation and donor families in the community. We would also like to
celebrate with, and recognize you, your staff, County Board members or any committee
members to thank and acknowledge your hard work and support on behalf of tissue donation.

Please let me know several dates that work for you, so that we can plan this event as soon as
possible ( we would like to make sure you are honored before your retirement) Again, thank
you for your support of tissue donation and most importantly for your support of tissue
donation options within your community.

Respectfully Submitted,

Greg Kinblom
American Tissue Services Foundation
Area Manager

Financial

- We are monitoring federal actions that may affect some of the direct federal grants that
St. Croix County is actively in process of implementing.

- We are revamping the annual department reporting process to make it coincide with
the annual Committee of the Whole meeting for setting budget priorities. This will be
beneficial by reviewing prior year data along with future year requests together.

Personnel

- There are 10 current position recruitments, including the Highway Engineer which has
been a challenging recruitment.

- We started the year with 31 new hires in January. Particularly strong in adding CNAs at
the Health Care Campus.

- Chief Medical Examiner appointment is on the agenda for March 4th. Start date April 1st.

- Retiring Medical Examiner Patty Schachtner will have a retirement open house at the
Government Center on March 31st from 11am-2pm.

Projects

- Glen Hills Park bathroom project construction moving along, on schedule for spring
completion.

- We have a fully executed lease with the Department of Corrections effective July 1,
2025. Construction of the build out for DOC Probation and Parole is ahead of schedule,
with an expected completion in May.

- Onsite clinic under construction with expected completion in May.

- Government Center first floor court room remodeling is slated for a May completion.
Construction will move upstairs to remodel the District Attorney's space.

- WCA Legislative Conference Team met with legislators the last week of February in
Madison.

- Upper Willow River Rehabilitation District has been official dissolved.

- Wildwood Trail easement granting adjacent property owners certain rights has been
recorded with the Register of Deeds. This was approved by the County Board in
November of 2023, but it took a while to survey and write the legal description for the
entire length of the Wildwood Trail.

- We had an initial meeting with Xcel Energy to discuss the possibility of a Joint
Development Agreement for the Ten Mile Creek Solar Project.

Financial Report January 2025

FY24 FY24 FY25 FY25 Percent
Total Thru Jan Budget YTD Balance Remaining
REVENUES
Administrative Revenues
-144,191,983
,
522,764,032.
110 General 0000 Default 3,090,066 -799,047 0 -1,007,169 1,007,169 00%
110 General 1010 Unallocated 1,556,384 - 0 - - -
1110 County Board &
110 General Committees/Commissions 187,180 13,479 155,935 12,995 142,940 91.67%
110 General 1320 Corporation Counsel 814,144 68,695 960,417 79,968 880,449 91.67%
110 General 1410 Administrator 559,995 45,107 519,588 43,289 476,299 91.67%
110 General 1420 County Clerk 396,334 33,601 412,353 38,589 373,764 90.64%
110 General 1430 Human Resources 551,792 45,983 621,340 51,778 569,562 91.67%
110 General 1440 Elections 125,100 8,875 79,050 4,921 74,129 93.78%
1450 Information
110 General Technology 2,751,845 228,279 2,811,746 224,787 2,586,959 92.01%
110 General 1510 Finance 650,273 53,156 674,314 54,935 619,380 91.85%
110 General 1520 County Treasurer 508,096 1,320 458,056 3,548 454,508 99.23%
110 General 1610 Facilities 2,316,384 193,027 2,295,786 191,336 2,104,451 91.67%
110 General 5110 Library 1,715,062 142,922 1,869,030 155,753 1,713,278 91.67%
295 Dog License All Cost Centers 21,372 1,085 20,000 636 19,364 96.82%
Debt Service Funds All Cost Centers 11,484,463 1,782,039 10,786,772 857,231 9,929,541 92.05%
Internal Service Funds All Cost Centers 15,688,078 1,007,393 15,350,000 1,100,265 14,249,735 92.83%
Subtotal Administrative
Revenues 42,416,567 2,825,916 37,014,387 1,812,860 35,201,527 95.10%
Community Development Revenues
110 General 1710 Register of Deeds 592,195 63,623 567,378 31,862 535,516 94.38%
110 General 3600 Sanitation 80,492 4,596 82,131 4,596 77,535 94.40%
110 General 5400 Recreation Facilities 80,000 6,667 80,000 6,667 73,333 91.67%
110 General 5620 UW Extension 254,880 21,260 254,312 5,735 248,577 97.75%
110 General 6400 Zoning Dept 2,134,700 171,953 2,227,541 186,466 2,041,075 91.63%
6700 Economic
110 General Development Corp 115,500 9,625 115,500 9,625 105,875 91.67%
120 Parks All Cost Centers 934,618 65,315 1,000,992 71,520 929,472 92.86%
125 Recycling All Cost Centers 205,475 215 203,555 - 203,555 100.00%
130 Land and Water
Conservation All Cost Centers 809,158 33,117 811,539 42,771 768,768 94.73%
250 Land Records
Retained Fees All Cost Centers 135,535 7,000 204,967 7,448 197,519 96.37%
270 Pesticide Training All Cost Centers 6,419 1,921 0 325 -325 -
Subtotal Community
Development Revenues 5,348,972 385,292 5,547,915 367,014 5,180,901 93.38%
Health and Human Services Revenues
225 Health and Human
Services 4110 Public Health 2,170,203 71,371 2,156,124 95,959 2,060,165 95.55%
225 Health and Human
Services 4310 Behavioral Health 6,824,419 186,371 6,185,094 209,811 5,975,283 96.61%
225 Health and Human
Services 4320 CCS 4,768,458 - 5,937,729 - 5,937,729 100.00%
225 Health and Human
Services 4410 Economic Support 1,140,839 12,927 1,328,005 15,843 1,312,161 98.81%
225 Health and Human
Services 4510 Children Services 7,310,293 300,056 7,830,805 349,310 7,481,495 95.54%

Print Date February 24, 2025

Financial Report January 2025

FY24 FY24 FY25 FY25 Percent
Total Thru Jan Budget YTD Balance Remaining
225 Health and Human 4610 Aging & Disability
Services Resource Center 2,708,984 33,088 2,823,800 53,968 2,769,832 98.09%
225 Health and Human 4920 Health & Human
Services Services Administration 2,029,223 115,236 2,172,323 124,578 2,047,745 94.27%
610 Health Center
Campus 4210 Skilled Nursing Facility 6,771,440 530,362 7,406,350 598,410 6,807,940 91.92%
610 Health Center 4230 Kitty Rhoades
Campus (Dementia) 241,434 - 1,699,799 - 1,699,799 100.00%
610 Health Center
Campus 4240 Orchard View 2,139,328 168,373 2,113,641 188,495 1,925,146 91.08%
110 General 4710 Veterans Services 334,483 26,325 351,088 34,819 316,268 90.08%
Subtotal HHS Revenues 36,439,105 1,444,109 40,004,757 1,671,193 38,333,564 95.82%
Transportation Revenues
650 Highway All Cost Centers 22,407,787 2,326,443 21,302,956 1,166,153 20,136,803 94.53%
Subtotal Transportation
Revenues 22,407,787 2,326,443 21,302,956 1,166,153 20,136,803 94.53%
Public Protection Revenues
110 General 1210 Circuit Court 1,201,957 80,486 1,045,744 84,695 961,049 91.90%
110 General 1220 Clerk of Courts 2,243,940 76,838 2,381,494 267,365 2,114,130 88.77%
110 General 1240 Medical Examiner 374,319 27,760 466,434 39,330 427,104 91.57%
110 General 1250 Justice Services 920,818 54,310 1,059,372 80,168 979,204 92.43%
110 General 1310 District Attorney 1,333,584 95,195 1,490,385 106,494 1,383,891 92.85%
110 General 1330 Child Support 889,337 -8,108 985,905 -11,536 997,441 101.17%
110 General 2110 Law Enforcement 10,400,057 760,055 11,088,941 902,075 10,186,867 91.87%
2700 Correction and
110 General Detention 4,828,504 374,157 5,397,847 424,387 4,973,459 92.14%
2510 Emergency
110 General Management 148,584 -12,828 217,738 10,868 206,870 95.01%
2600 Emergency
110 General Communication 2,512,255 209,841 2,648,689 219,751 2,428,938 91.70%
280 Jail Improvement All Cost Centers 73,203 - 0 - - -
285 K-9 All Cost Centers 104,181 - 0 - - -
286 Drug Task Force All Cost Centers 78,752 23,097 0 23,097 -23,097 -
287 County Drug Fund All Cost Centers 178,512 2,561 0 - - -
290 Stop Drug All Cost Centers 0 - 0 - - -
Subtotal Public Protection
Revenues 25,288,002 1,683,365 26,782,549 2,146,694 24,635,854 91.98%

Total Revenues 131,900,433 8,665,125 130,652,564 7,163,915 123,488,649 94.52%

EXPENSES
Administrative Expenses
110 General 1010 Unallocated 7,784,684 900,000 0 - - -
1110 County Board &
110 General Committees/Commissions 161,471 31,951 155,935 25,007 130,927 83.96%
110 General 1320 Corporation Counsel 797,295 22,807 960,417 55,943 904,473 94.18%
110 General 1410 Administrator 471,870 12,114 519,588 35,257 484,332 93.21%
110 General 1420 County Clerk 378,765 12,627 412,353 22,798 389,556 94.47%
110 General 1430 Human Resources 461,049 15,098 621,340 40,610 580,730 93.46%
110 General 1440 Elections 115,795 3,532 79,050 8,327 70,723 89.47%
1450 Information
110 General Technology 2,712,691 157,695 2,811,746 117,396 2,694,350 95.82%

Print Date February 24, 2025

Financial Report January 2025

FY24 FY24 FY25 FY25 Percent
Total Thru Jan Budget YTD Balance Remaining
110 General 1510 Finance 628,402 16,887 674,314 37,309 637,005 94.47%
110 General 1520 County Treasurer 364,284 11,228 458,056 22,270 435,786 95.14%
110 General 1610 Facilities 2,122,084 25,436 2,295,786 89,690 2,206,096 96.09%
110 General 5110 Library 1,741,171 - 1,869,030 - 1,869,030 100.00%
110 General 7000 Capital Outlay 0 - 0 - - -
295 Dog License All Cost Centers 19,618 54 20,000 49 19,951 99.76%
Debt Service Funds All Cost Centers 10,979,876 - 10,786,772 - 10,786,772 100.00%
Internal Service Funds All Cost Centers 13,366,207 818,664 15,350,000 1,115,861 14,234,139 92.73%
Subtotal Administrative
Expenses 42,105,261 2,028,093 37,014,387 1,570,517 35,443,870 95.76%
Community Development Expenses
110 General 1710 Register of Deeds 452,615 19,640 567,378 35,707 531,671 93.71%
110 General 3600 Sanitation 77,037 - 82,131 - 82,131 100.00%
110 General 5400 Recreation Facilities 80,000 - 80,000 - 80,000 100.00%
110 General 5620 UW Extension 239,221 705 254,312 460 253,852 99.82%
6100 Resources Land &
110 General Water Conservation 22,550 1,060 0 401 -401 -
110 General 6400 Zoning Dept 2,006,621 140,660 2,227,541 195,540 2,032,001 91.22%
6700 Economic
110 General Development Corp 116,443 28,965 115,500 28,965 86,535 74.92%
120 Parks All Cost Centers 925,247 14,628 1,000,992 24,915 976,078 97.51%
125 Recycling All Cost Centers 205,511 2,073 203,555 4,465 199,090 97.81%
130 Land and Water
Conservation All Cost Centers 926,967 22,961 811,539 21,104 790,435 97.40%
250 Land Records
Retained Fees All Cost Centers 209,916 33,010 204,967 31,890 173,077 84.44%
270 Pesticide Training All Cost Centers 0 - 0 100 -100 -
Subtotal Community
Development Expenses 5,262,129 263,702 5,547,915 343,547 5,204,369 93.81%
Health and Human Services Expenses
225 Health and Human
Services 4110 Public Health 1,907,541 52,923 2,156,124 98,605 2,057,519 95.43%
225 Health and Human
Services 4310 Behavioral Health 6,286,028 101,556 6,185,094 205,838 5,979,256 96.67%
225 Health and Human
Services 4320 CCS 5,002,882 102,505 5,937,729 204,936 5,732,793 96.55%
225 Health and Human
Services 4410 Economic Support 1,235,994 39,843 1,328,005 74,476 1,253,529 94.39%
225 Health and Human
Services 4510 Children Services 8,508,150 299,940 7,830,805 457,680 7,373,125 94.16%
225 Health and Human 4610 Aging & Disability
Services Resource Center 2,625,342 50,449 2,823,800 114,814 2,708,986 95.93%
225 Health and Human 4920 Health & Human
Services Services Administration 2,062,500 58,453 2,172,323 104,918 2,067,404 95.17%
610 Health Center
Campus 4210 Skilled Nursing Facility 6,256,089 270,081 7,406,350 360,900 7,045,450 95.13%
610 Health Center 4230 Kitty Rhoades
Campus (Dementia) 272,608 877 1,699,799 18,117 1,681,682 98.93%
610 Health Center
Campus 4240 Orchard View 2,095,802 92,917 2,113,641 134,923 1,978,718 93.62%
110 General 4710 Veterans Services 333,686 10,058 351,088 18,960 332,128 94.60%
Subtotal HHS Expenses 36,586,621 1,079,602 40,004,757 1,794,167 38,210,590 95.52%
Transportation Expenses
650 Highway All Cost Centers 23,038,692 538,575 21,302,956 784,340 20,518,616 96.32%

Print Date February 24, 2025

Financial Report January 2025

FY24 FY24 FY25 FY25 Percent
Total Thru Jan Budget YTD Balance Remaining
Subtotal Transportation
Expenses 23,038,692 538,575 21,302,956 784,340 20,518,616 96.32%
Public Protection Expenses
110 General 1210 Circuit Court 1,196,420 30,774 1,045,744 64,547 981,197 93.83%
110 General 1220 Clerk of Courts 2,393,493 56,242 2,381,494 100,868 2,280,626 95.76%
110 General 1240 Medical Examiner 484,860 4,697 466,434 21,165 445,269 95.46%
110 General 1250 Justice Services 912,810 23,482 1,059,372 40,765 1,018,607 96.15%
110 General 1310 District Attorney 1,357,601 43,778 1,490,385 75,694 1,414,691 94.92%
110 General 1330 Child Support 927,666 26,163 985,905 48,659 937,246 95.06%
110 General 2110 Law Enforcement 10,038,586 543,047 11,088,941 821,162 10,267,779 92.59%
2700 Correction and
110 General Detention 4,542,044 189,550 5,397,847 265,740 5,132,106 95.08%
2510 Emergency
110 General Management 242,376 6,021 217,738 10,984 206,754 94.96%
2600 Emergency
110 General Communication 2,440,661 155,384 2,648,689 192,021 2,456,668 92.75%
280 Jail Improvement All Cost Centers 115,325 - 0 - - -
285 K-9 All Cost Centers 110,447 - 0 2,685 -2,685 -
286 Drug Task Force All Cost Centers 39,673 3,000 0 3,000 -3,000 -
287 County Drug Fund All Cost Centers 120,479 - 0 12,510 -12,510 -
290 Stop Drug All Cost Centers -10,903 - 0 - - -
Subtotal Public Protection
Expenses 24,911,538 1,082,138 26,782,549 1,659,801 25,122,748 93.80%

Total Expenses 131,904,242 4,992,110 130,652,564 6,152,372 124,500,192 95.29%

Report Total -3,808 3,673,015 0 1,011,543 - -

Print Date February 24, 2025

As of January 31, 2025

County Wide Cash & Investments
Wells Fargo Balance $6,035,548.02
LGIP - State Investment Pool 34,532,946.96
Investments with Advisor 59,608,049.66
Bond Investment 6,065,345.10
TOTAL 106,241,889.74

2024 / 2023 2023 / 2022 2022 / 2021

Vehicle Registration Fees 41170 2024 2023 2022 2021 Variance Variance Variance
Annual Budget 875,000.00 865,000.00 840,000.00 840,000.00 10,000.00 25,000.00 0.00
Budget per Month 72,916.67 72,083.33 70,000.00 70,000.00 833.33 2,083.33 0.00

January registrations (rec'd in March) 87,557.88 63,709.13 59,381.95 63,468.87 23,848.75 4,327.18 (4,086.92)
February registrations (rec'd in April) 118,878.62 62,764.89 60,744.88 60,509.00 56,113.73 2,020.01 235.88
March registrations (rec'd in May) 137,072.00 81,873.51 82,118.74 84,691.00 55,198.49 (245.23) (2,572.26)
April registrations (rec'd in June) 154,860.00 75,579.00 74,913.00 77,345.94 79,281.00 666.00 (2,432.94)
May registrations (rec'd in July) 155,872.75 82,375.50 80,763.00 74,542.56 73,497.25 1,612.50 6,220.44
June registrations (rec'd in August) 152,334.50 81,374.13 79,141.50 82,580.00 70,960.37 2,232.63 (3,438.50)
July registrations (rec'd in September) 143,486.25 79,360.88 76,202.00 78,169.50 64,125.37 3,158.88 (1,967.50)
August registrations (rec'd in October) 170,786.00 79,445.12 82,542.77 79,774.50 91,340.88 (3,097.65) 2,768.27
September registrations (rec'd in November) 162,758.51 69,739.00 73,731.10 71,572.62 93,019.51 (3,992.10) 2,158.48
October registrations (rec'd in December) 153,435.96 70,785.00 71,777.37 66,673.92 82,650.96 (992.37) 5,103.45
November registrations (rec'd in January) 118,398.00 66,472.90 61,423.00 62,991.48 51,925.10 5,049.90 (1,568.48)
December registrations (rec'd in February) 129,439.88 62,012.10 56,686.97 57,817.91 67,427.78 5,325.13 (1,130.94)

Totals 1,684,880.35 875,491.16 859,426.28 860,137.30 809,389.19 16,064.88 (711.02)

Average Month 140,406.70 72,957.60 71,618.86 71,678.11

2024 / 2023 2023 / 2022 2022 / 2021

Sales Tax Progress 41220 2024 2023 2022 2021 Variance Variance Variance
Annual Budget 11,600,000.00 10,500,000.00 9,000,000.00 8,500,000.00 1,100,000.00 1,500,000.00 500,000.00
Budget per Month 966,666.67 875,000.00 750,000.00 708,333.33 91,666.67 125,000.00 41,666.67

January (rec'd in March) 800,671.86 783,190.93 782,409.83 632,164.68 17,480.93 781.10 150,245.15
February (rec'd in April) 581,576.20 723,882.01 786,888.47 834,227.57 (142,305.81) (63,006.46) (47,339.10)
March (rec'd in May) 1,260,438.65 935,748.93 766,992.32 826,857.04 324,689.72 168,756.61 (59,864.72)
April (rec'd in June) 912,048.26 1,251,098.80 1,130,214.04 1,089,420.22 (339,050.54) 120,884.76 40,793.82
May (rec'd in July) 949,715.53 1,038,445.70 1,031,312.39 938,046.59 (88,730.17) 7,133.31 93,265.80
June (rec'd in August) 1,274,785.88 1,364,100.14 1,105,404.16 937,503.01 (89,314.26) 258,695.98 167,901.15
July (rec'd in September) 1,033,141.16 1,120,065.36 1,182,103.62 1,096,977.75 (86,924.20) (62,038.26) 85,125.87
August (rec'd in October) 1,121,069.13 908,168.26 977,504.96 950,359.43 212,900.87 (69,336.70) 27,145.53
September (rec'd in November) 1,277,272.72 1,294,012.64 1,160,289.64 886,232.63 (16,739.92) 133,723.00 274,057.01
October (rec'd in December) 960,406.06 1,011,113.57 1,160,401.06 991,006.42 (50,707.51) (149,287.49) 169,394.64
November (rec'd in January) 1,349,867.36 691,494.45 722,791.84 758,619.48 658,372.91 (31,297.39) (35,827.64)
December (rec'd in February) 1,511,369.72 1,256,369.31 1,057,147.36 255,000.41 199,221.95

Totals 11,520,992.81 12,632,690.51 12,062,681.64 10,998,562.18 399,672.02 570,008.87 1,064,119.46

Average Month 1,047,362.98 1,052,724.21 1,005,223.47 916,546.85

Report Dated: January 31, 2025

Year Prior Prior Years 2025 2025 Remaining
Revenues: Budgets Actual Budget YTD Balance
Property/Asset Sales 50,000 200
Grants/Other Govts -
Bonds & Interest -
Total Revenues 50,000 200

Expenses:
General Public Buildings
7140 10001 2025 Building Remodeling/Furniture/Plumbing 200,000 200,000
7320 10004 2025 Fleet Vehicle Replacement 250,000 88,409 161,591
7140 10005 2025 Equipment/Electrical Equipment 65,000 24,025 40,975
7140 10006 2025 HVAC Replacement 125,000 125,000
7140 10007 2025 Safety and Security 45,000 45,000
7140 10107 2025 Solar Array Baldwin Ag Center 400,000 2,100 397,900
7140 10152 2025 UPS for CT Scanner 102,000 102,000
7140 10154 2025 OV Electrical Transformers 110,000 110,000
7140 10138 2024 Jail Wire Mesh Screening 550,000 379,453 1,787 168,761
7140 10150 2025 Government Center Health Clinic 60,773 850,000 4,493 784,734
7140 10106 2022 Government Center Expansion 79,743,000 66,803,290 4,015 12,935,695
Information Technology
7150 10002 2025 IT Recurring Projects 75,000 75,000
Health & Human Services
7160 10003 2025 replacement vehicles for ADRC 50,000 50,000
Public Protection
7210 10000 2025 Squad Cars 550,000 550,000
7270 10100 2025 Jail Appliances 115,000 115,000
Highway
7310 10115 2025 Hudson Highway Facility Replacement 7,400,000 9,570 7,390,430
Emergency Services
7260 10089 2024 911 Call center expansion 524,000 439,767 24,419 59,814
7260 10142 2025 DC Battery power replacement 60,000 60,000
7260 10160 2025 911 System replacement hardware 40,252 160,000 47,775 71,973
7260 10102 2025 Network Switches Microwave Radio Infrastructure 273,000 273,000
7260 10103 2025 Portable Radio Cache Update 80,000 80,000
7260 10144 2025 Radio Consolette Replacement 60,000 60,000
Parks
7620 10075Bike Ped 2021 Plan SCRC Loop Trail to Willow River State Park Connection 920,000 976,726 369 (57,095)
7620 10035 2025 Parks Equipment 35,000 35,000
7620 10036 2024 Ongoing maintenance 50,000 50,000
7620 10163 2025 Community Development Plotter/Scanner 16,000 3,893 Closed
7620 10099 2024 Glen Hills campground flush station 920,000 317,993 1,660 600,348
7620 10097 2025 County Dam Maintenance 50,000 50,000
7620 10125 2025 Eckert Blufflands Park Development 1,500,000 1,500,000

Total Expenses 82,707,000 69,018,254 12,571,000 212,513 26,035,126

January 1, 2025 Fund Balance 30,907,103
Plus 2025 Revenues 200
Minus 2025 Expenses 212,513
Current Ending Fund Balance 30,694,790

Reserved for Approved Projects 26,035,126
Unreserved Fund Balance 4,659,664

Report Dated: January 31, 2025

Year 2025 Remaining
Revenues: 2025 Budget YTD Balance
Grants/Other Govts

Expenses:
Health & Human Services
4310 700110 2022 BH Peer Recovery Support Specialist 150,000 150,000
4310 700150 2022 Contract with Partner Organizations 96,761 3,333 93,428

Total Expenses 246,761 3,333 243,428

Medical Examiner

Cover Memo
To: Board of Supervisors
From: Ken Witt, County Administrator
Date: March 4, 2025
Agenda Item: Confirmation of County Administrator Appointment of Tina Forrest as Chief Medical Examiner

Background Information:
Department Head positions are confirmed by the County Board. A national search was conducted to find a Chief Medical
Examiner replacement, following the retirement announcement of Patty Schachtner. Four candidates were invited for
interviews. The interview panel consisted of County Administrator Witt, Lieutenant Hart, County Supervisor Adams and
citizen member Mike O'Connell. A unanimous recommendation was made to extend an offer to Tina Forrest.

Investigator Objective

My goal is to serve as the Chief Medical Examiner at St. Croix
Tina County Medical Examiner Office, where I can apply my extensive
experience and knowledge in the field of medicolegal death
investigations to not only strengthen protocols and improve
Forrest efficiency but also offer leadership, support, and mentorship. I am
committed to fostering an environment of care and collaboration,
ensuring the dignity of those we serve and well-being of all
residents residing St. Croix County.

Experience July 2018- Present/January 2022- Present
Deputy Medical Examiner/Program Coordinator St. Croix County Medical
Examiner
- Investigate deaths, determine jurisdiction, determine cause and manner of death, and
secure necessary evidence in compliance with Wisconsin State Statutes.
- Conduct interviews, examine bodies, perform CT scans, onsite drug testing and
complete thorough documentation of investigations.
- Collaborate with law enforcement, emergency personnel, and public health agencies to
ensure a comprehensive investigative process.
- Oversee the electronic hospice reporting program, manage data collection, prepare
detailed reports, and ensure accuracy in medical records requests.
- Develop and implement protocols for new technologies, sign death certificates.

January 2019- Present/August 2015-January 2019
Death Investigator II/Forensic Technician Ramsey County Medical Examiner
Office
- Investigate deaths, collect evidence, collaborate with law enforcement, medical staff, and
families.
- Prepare detailed reports, and coordinate with multiple agencies for comprehensive
investigations.
- Notify next of kin, manage high-volume calls, and maintain communication across
various external parties.
- Assist pathologists with autopsies, process evidence, maintain strict chain of custody for
all materials.
- Conduct postmortem specimen collection, perform x ray imaging and fingerprinting.
- Supervise forensic technician team, manage morgue inventory in compliance with
budget, train outer-agency professionals, maintain morgue operations.

Education Skills Certifications/Honors Contact

August 2011-May 2015 - MDI Log - D-ABMDI #3370
Assoc. Degree - Nuance PowerShare - Randox Training
Nursing - Respirator Fit Testing - NaCo Leadership
Wisconsin Indianhead
Tech - SVRIS Training
- Postmortem CT imaging - WCMEA BOD member
August 2018-December - Advanced MS word, - FEMA IS- 0100.c
2018 Excel - Mass Fatality Training
Medicolegal Death
Investigation
Wisconsin Indianhead
Tech

Code of Ordinances

Cover Memo
To: Community Development Committee
From: Ken Witt, County Administrator
Jason Kjeseth, Community Development Director
Date: March 4, 2025
Agenda Item: Ordinance to Amend Chapter 15 - General Zoning - of the St. Croix County Code of Ordinances

Background Information:
The Community Development Committee has spent several special meetings going over the proposed changes in
Chapter 15 to streamline duplicate text, simplify development standards, reduce procedural requirements already
covered by statute, give towns more authority, and match current practices by staff. The proposed amended ordinance
has been properly noticed for a public hearing and each town clerk has been notified via certified mail as required by
statute. If the committee recommends approval of the draft to the full County Board, staff will accept the track changes
and clean up the formatting issues. A report on the petition to amend will also be provided to the full County Board as
required by Wis. Stat. §§ 59.69(5)(e).

AI-generated analysis where available. Verify with official sources.

Summary: ORDINANCE TO ADOPT ST. CROIX COUNTY
2025-2045 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AMENDMENT

1 The County Board of Supervisors of the County of St. Croix does ordain as follows:
2
3 WHEREAS, the St. Croix County Board of Supervisors has appointed the Community
4 Development Department as the County Planning Agency, pursuant to Wisconsin Statute §
5 59.69(2); and
6
7 WHEREAS, pursuant to Wisconsin Statute §§ 59.69(2) and (3), St. Croix County is
8 authorized to prepare and adopt the comprehensive plan amendment as defined in Wisconsin
9 Statute § 66.1001(1)(a); and
10
11 WHEREAS, the St. Croix County Community Development Committee, by a majority
12 vote of the entire committee, recorded in its official minutes, recommends through a separate
13 resolution that the St. Croix County Board of Supervisors adopt the St. Croix County 2025-2045
14 Comprehensive Plan amendment containing all the elements specified in Wisconsin Statute §
15 66.1001(2); and
16
17 WHEREAS, the Community Development Committee has held a public hearing on this
18 ordinance, in compliance with the requirements of Wisconsin Statute § 66.1001(4)(d).
19
20 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the County Board of Supervisors of the
21 County of St. Croix that the St. Croix County 2025-2045 Comprehensive Plan amendment is
22 hereby adopted and enacted as attached hereto.
23
24 BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED that the St. Croix County 2025-2045 Comprehensive
25 Plan amendment shall be published by the County Clerk, pursuant to Wis. Stat. § 59.14, and will
26 become effective upon publication. This ordinance shall be not codified.

Community Development Committee Recommended
MOVER: Kerry Reis
SECONDER: Scott Counter
AYES: Shawn Anderson, Scott Counter, Kerry Reis, Ryan Sherley, Jerry VanSomeren
EXCUSED: None

St. Croix County Board of Supervisors Action:
This Ordinance was ENACTED by the St. Croix County Board of Supervisors on March 4, 2025

___________________________________ ___________________________________
Bob Long, County Board Chair Christine Hines, County Clerk

Cover Memo
To: Community Development Committee
From: Ken Witt, County Administrator
Jason Kjeseth, Community Development Director
Date: March 4, 2025
Agenda Item: Resolution Approving Eckert Blufflands Park Master Plan Amendment

Background Information:
The Eckert Blufflands Park Master Plan was approved on February 1, 2022. Proposed park improvements in the 2022
Master Plan included camper cabins and yurts on the south portion of the park, a hike-in campground on the northern
portion of the park, a new Highway #35 vehicular entrance, an entrance station, internal roads, playground and picnic
areas, restrooms, parking lots, paved and natural surface trails with access to the St. Croix River, sledding hill, rock
climbing and ropes activity areas and a mountain bike training course.

The estimated cost for all proposed improvements in 2021 was $14,770,000. Applying a conservative annual inflation
rate of 5%, the projected construction costs for the same plan in 2025 are expected to reach approximately
$18,000,000. Continued inflationary factors, coupled with other budget challenges facing the County, necessitated a re-
evaluation of park usage to achieve manageable development costs.

The objectives of preparing an amended Master Plan are to:

1. Emphasize nature-based outdoor recreation activities (hiking, bicycling, play area, pavilion/picnic areas, nature
viewing);
2. Prepare an amended plan with lower development costs that will align with a more modest development
strategy for the property; and
3. Continued involvement and communication with residents, and Town and State officials.

The 2024/2025 public engagement efforts are summarized in the amended plan document.

The proposed amended plan redefines the scope of park uses and recommends a more modest development cost
estimate for improvements of $3,600,000, as compared to the $18,000,000 estimate in the 2022 Master Plan.

A Class II notice was published in the Star Observer on February 6, 2025, and February 13, 2025, establishing a public
hearing on February 20, 2025, at 5:00 PM with the St. Croix County Community Development Committee (CDC) in the St.
Croix County Government Center Board Room, 1101 Carmichael Road, Hudson, Wisconsin.

AI-generated analysis where available. Verify with official sources.

Summary: ORDINANCE TO REPEAL AND RECREATE CHAPTER 15 - GENERAL ZONING
- OF THE ST. CROIX COUNTY CODE OF ORDINANCES

1 The County Board of Supervisors of the County of St. Croix does ordain as follows:
2
3 WHEREAS, Chapter 15 of the St. Croix County Code of Ordinances is adopted under the
4 authority of Wis. Stat. §§ 59.69 to 59.698 and 66.1001 to 66.1037, and additional authority cited
5 in specific sections of the Chapter; and
6
7 WHEREAS, Chapter 15 applies to all lands in the unincorporated areas of towns under
8 County zoning; and
9
10 WHEREAS, the amendments include provisions to streamline duplicative text, simplify
11 development standards, reduce procedural requirements already covered by statute and
12 administrative code, give Towns more authority, and match current practices performed by staff;
13 and
14
15 WHEREAS, a public hearing was held on Thursday, February 20, 2025, at the St. Croix
16 County Government Center by the Community Development Committee of the St. Croix County
17 Board of Supervisors as required by the provisions of Wis. Stat. § 59.69(5)(e) regarding the
18 proposed amendments; and
19
20 WHEREAS, the Community Development Committee has reviewed said amendments,
21 and recommends the St. Croix County Board of Supervisors enact said amendments to Chapter 15
22 of the St. Croix County Code of Ordinances.
23
24 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the County Board of Supervisors of the
25 County of St. Croix that Chapter 15 - General Zoning - is repealed and recreated as attached
26 hereto.
27
28 BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED that the provisions of the repealed and recreated Chapter
29 15 - General Zoning Ordinance shall supersede any prior ordinance provisions.
30
31 BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED that the St. Croix County Community Development
32 Department is directed to forward the recreated ordinance to necessary governmental units and
33 agencies.
34
35 BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED that the amended Chapter 15 - General Zoning - of the
36 St. Croix County Code of Ordinances shall be published by the County Clerk, pursuant to Wis.
37 Stat. § 59.14, and will become effective upon publication. This ordinance shall be codified.

Community Developement Committee Recommended
MOVER: Ryan Sherley
SECONDER: Jerry VanSomeren
AYES: Shawn Anderson, Scott Counter, Kerry Reis, Ryan Sherley, Jerry Vansomeren
EXCUSED: None

This Ordinance was ENACTED by the St. Croix County Board of Supervisors on March 4, 2025

___________________________________ ___________________________________
Bob Long, County Board Chair Christine Hines, County Clerk

¬"35 Deer Park

£¤63 FOREST
SOMERSET STAR PRAIRIE STANTON CYLON
"¬65 ¬"46

"¬64 ¤£63/64 "¬64
St. Croix County Somerset New Richmond

"¬3564
Administered ¤£63
GLENWOOD
Zoning ERIN EMERALD
¬"3564
County Zoning RICHMOND PRAIRIE
Municipal Boundaries Glenwood City"¬170
¬"64 ST. JOSEPH
City "¬35
128
"¬65 ¬"
Village

Interstate
North Hudson HAMMOND
US Highway WARREN ¤£12 BALDWIN SPRINGFIELD
State Highway HUDSON
Hudson Baldwin
£¤12 Hammond
¦¨§94
County Highway Roberts ¤£12 Wilson
Woodville
Local Road
¦¨§94
¦¨§94
Railroad
¬35
" TROY
River & Stream £¤63
KINNICKINNIC CADY
Waterbodies EAU GALLE
"¬65 RUSH "¬128
RIVER
Spring ¬"29
River Falls Esri, HERE, Garmin, USGS, EPA, NPS
2/4/2025 µ Valley
SCC CDD Page 30 of 631

Table of Contents
CHAPTER 15 ZONING .................................................................................................................................................. 3
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ............................................................................................................................................ 3
Planning in St. Croix County ................................................................................................................................ 3
How to Read this Document ................................................................................................................................ 3
Determining the Regulations for a Specific Site ..................................................................................................... 4
INTRODUCTION ..................................................................................................................................................... 4
15.100 Title ........................................................................................................................................................ 4
15.105 Purpose ................................................................................................................................................... 4
15.110 Authority ................................................................................................................................................. 5
15.115 Applicability ............................................................................................................................................. 5
15.116 to 15.199 Reserved. ................................................................................................................................. 5
ZONING DISTRICTS ................................................................................................................................................ 5
15.200 General Provisions ................................................................................................................................... 6
15.205 Districts Established ................................................................................................................................. 6
15.220 AG-1 Agricultural District .......................................................................................................................... 6
15.221 AG-2 Agricultural District .......................................................................................................................... 8
15.230 R-1 Residential District ............................................................................................................................. 9
15.231 R-2 Residential District ........................................................................................................................... 10
15.232 R-3 Residential District ........................................................................................................................... 11
15.240 C-1 Commercial District .......................................................................................................................... 12
15.241 C-2 Commercial District .......................................................................................................................... 13
15.242 C-3 Commercial District .......................................................................................................................... 14
15.250 I-1 Industrial District .............................................................................................................................. 14
15.251 I-2 Industrial District .............................................................................................................................. 16
15.252 NMO Nonmetallic Mining Overlay ............................................................................................................ 17
15.275 CON Conservancy District ....................................................................................................................... 17
15.285 Use Table .............................................................................................................................................. 17
15.286 to 15.299 Reserved. ............................................................................................................................... 24
USE REGULATIONS ............................................................................................................................................... 24
15.305 Accessory Structures & Uses ................................................................................................................... 25
15.310 Adult Establishments .............................................................................................................................. 26
15.315 Agricultural Entertainment and Farm Exhibitions ...................................................................................... 27
15.320 Airstrips................................................................................................................................................. 28
15.322 Campgrounds ........................................................................................................................................ 29
15.325 Conservation Design Development .......................................................................................................... 30
15.330 Contractor Storage Yards ....................................................................................................................... 31
15.335 Chickens and Ducks ............................................................................................................................... 32
15.340 Fences and Walls ................................................................................................................................... 32
15.345 Home Occupations ................................................................................................................................. 32
15.350 Housing ................................................................................................................................................ 34
15.352 Salvage Operations ................................................................................................................................ 35
15.353 Junk ...................................................................................................................................................... 35
15.355 Kennels, Commercial .............................................................................................................................. 37
15.360 Livestock Facilities ................................................................................................................................. 37
15.365 Mobile Tower Siting ............................................................................................................................... 39
15.370 Nonmetallic Mining................................................................................................................................. 40
15.371 Private One-Room Schoolhouse .............................................................................................................. 41
15.373 Roadside Stands .................................................................................................................................... 41
15.375 Short-Term Rentals ................................................................................................................................ 41
15.380 Signs ..................................................................................................................................................... 42
15.381 Skiing Facilities ...................................................................................................................................... 44
15.385 Solar Energy Systems (SES) ................................................................................................................... 44

15.390 Travel Trailers ....................................................................................................................................... 46
15.395 Wind Energy Systems ............................................................................................................................ 47
15.396 To 15.399 Reserved. .............................................................................................................................. 56
DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS .................................................................................................................................. 56
15.405 Road Setback, Access Management & Driveways ..................................................................................... 56
15.410 Building Height ...................................................................................................................................... 59
15.415 Grading and Land Disturbance ................................................................................................................ 59
15.420 Screening, Landscaping & Tree Preservation ........................................................................................... 59
15.425 Lot Development, Reasonable Accommodations for Disabled Persons, Outlots ........................................... 61
15.430 Parking and Loading .............................................................................................................................. 62
PROCEDURES ....................................................................................................................................................... 64
15.530 Town Recommendation .......................................................................................................................... 65
15.540 Rezonings & Text Amendments .............................................................................................................. 65
15.571 To 15.574 Reserved. .............................................................................................................................. 66
SUBMITTAL REQUIREMENTS ................................................................................................................................. 66
15.575 General Provisions ................................................................................................................................. 66
15.580 Technical Plans or Studies ...................................................................................................................... 66
15.585 Digital Applications ................................................................................................................................. 67
15.590 Submittal Requirements and Application Checklists .................................................................................. 67
15.596 To 15.599 Reserved. .............................................................................................................................. 68
NONCONFORMITIES & VESTED RIGHTS ................................................................................................................ 68
15.600 General Provisions ................................................................................................................................. 69
15.605 Nonconforming uses .............................................................................................................................. 69
15.610 Nonconforming Lots ............................................................................................................................... 69
15.615 Nonconforming Structures ...................................................................................................................... 69
15.626 To 15.699 Reserved. .............................................................................................................................. 69
AGENCIES ............................................................................................................................................................ 69
15.700 General Provisions ................................................................................................................................. 69
15.705 Land Use Administrator .......................................................................................................................... 70
15.710 Community Development Committee (CDC) ............................................................................................ 70
15.715 Board of Adjustment .............................................................................................................................. 71
15.716 To 15.749 Reserved. .............................................................................................................................. 72
ENFORCEMENT ..................................................................................................................................................... 72
15.750 General Provisions ................................................................................................................................. 72
15.755 Violations .............................................................................................................................................. 72
15.760 Penalties ............................................................................................................................................... 73
15.770 Revocation of Permit or Approval ............................................................................................................ 73
15.771 To 15.799 Reserved. .............................................................................................................................. 73
DEFINITIONS & RULES OF INTERPRETATION ........................................................................................................ 73
15.805 Definitions ............................................................................................................................................. 74
15.807 Acronyms .............................................................................................................................................. 99
15.810 Interpretation of Zoning Map .................................................................................................................. 99
15.815 Conflicting Rules .................................................................................................................................. 100
15.816 To 15.899 Reserved. ............................................................................................................................ 100
15.900 LEGAL PROVISIONS ................................................................................................................................. 100
15.900 Relationship to Other Provisions of the County Code .............................................................................. 100
15.915 Severability ......................................................................................................................................... 100
15.920 Repeal of Existing Ordinance ................................................................................................................ 100
15.925 Effective Date ...................................................................................................................................... 100

CHAPTER 15 ZONING

Contents:
Executive Summary
Introduction
Zoning Districts
Use Regulations
Development Standards
Procedures
Submittal Requirements
Nonconformities & Vested Rights
Agencies
Enforcement
Definitions & Rules of Interpretation
15.900 Legal Provisions

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The St. Croix County zoning code establishes standards and procedures for new development or redevelopment in the
County. The zoning code is not designed to be read from cover to cover. Instead, it is organized so readers may look up
only the parts they need. The list of subchapters in "How to Read this Document" shows the main topics and overall
organization of the zoning code. Later portions of this executive summary explain different ways to use the zoning code to
answer frequently asked questions.

Planning in St. Croix County

The major purpose of the zoning code is to implement the County's long-term planning policies found in the St. Croix County
2024-2045 Comprehensive Plan. As part of the comprehensive plan, the land use chapter and future land use map (vol. 1-
11) establishes long-term policies for land use. The zoning code provides clear rules about what is expected of applicants
in order to gain approval to develop land in the County. The County Board finds and determines this ordinance is in
substantial conformance with said comprehensive plan.

How to Read this Document

Purpose statements are included to assist readers in understanding the intent of a regulation.
How the Document is Organized
The zoning code is divided into 11 subchapters. These are structured so that the most frequently used information appears
first, with the definitions and technical information (such as submittal requirements) appearing later.
1. The first subchapter, called Introduction, contains some basic information on the purpose of the zoning code. It
sets the stage for the remainder of the document.
2. The Zoning Districts establish the uses permitted in each district, conditional uses, and prohibited uses.
Development standards for each zoning district include metrics for residential density, height, setbacks, open space,
landscaping, design standards, and civic space. A table showing the permitted and conditional uses in all districts is
presented in § 15.285.
3. The Use Regulations contain requirements for specific uses and development types that apply in all zoning districts.
Examples include accessory uses, home occupations, and signs. These uses may or may not be permitted as of right
or as a conditional use, depending on how they are listed in the applicable zoning district. The standards are designed

to address particular issues that are raised by the particular use - such as state or federal legal requirements, impact
on surrounding neighborhoods, or development allowances or incentives.
4. The Development Standards consolidate the development metrics that apply to all development and land uses in
the County's zoning jurisdiction. This includes standards for site improvements such as access, parking, landscaping,
grading, and building height.
5. The Submittal Requirements provide a checklist of the information that applicants need to have a complete
application that the County can process.
6. The Nonconformities subchapter addresses situations where a use or building has been legally established before
new regulations that would otherwise not allow them. Under Wisconsin law, these uses are grandfathered, but may
have standards that dictate whether and how they can expand or continue.
7. The Agencies subchapter establishes, or references state statutes relating to, the agencies involved in administering
the zoning code. These include the Community Development Committee, Land Use Administrator and Board of
Adjustment. The County Board of Supervisors is the County's legislative body and adopts amendments to this
Chapter (including rezonings).
8. The Enforcement subchapter establishes procedures to enforce the zoning code, including penalties for violations.
9. The Definitions & Rules of Interpretation provide the zoning code's "glossary." It defines terms and phrases
used in the Zoning Code, the uses listed in the zoning districts, and acronyms.
10. The Legal Provisions include legal language such as the severability clause, how to apply standards that differ
from each other, and the effective date.

Determining the Regulations for a Specific Site

To determine the regulations of the zoning code applicable to a site, the user must first find the site on the "Official Zoning
Map." The map will show the zoning district that is applied to the site. The official Zoning Map is maintained online through
the County's Geographic Information Systems website.
The reader should then look up all the relevant regulations. Start with the zoning districts and development standards. The
zoning districts state whether a use is allowed by right, as a conditional use, or prohibited. In addition, readers should
consult the Use Regulations to see if additional requirements apply to the use they are contemplating.

INTRODUCTION

Contents:
15.100 Title
15.105 Purpose
15.110 Authority
15.115 Applicability
15.116 to 15.199 Reserved.

15.100 Title

This Chapter shall be cited as the "St. Croix County Zoning Code," and is referred to in this Chapter as "this Chapter" or
"this Code."

15.105 Purpose

This Chapter is adopted to:
- implement the St. Croix County Comprehensive Plan; and
- promote the public health, safety, convenience and general welfare;
- encourage planned and orderly land use development;

- protect property values and the property tax base;
- permit the careful planning and efficient maintenance of highway systems;
- ensure adequate highway, utility, health, educational and recreational facilities;
- recognize the needs of agriculture, forestry, industry and business in future growth;
- encourage uses of land and other natural resources which are in accordance with their character and adaptability;
- provide adequate light and air, including access to sunlight for solar collectors and to wind for wind energy systems;
- encourage the protection of groundwater resources;
- preserve wetlands;
- conserve soil, water and forest resources;
- protect the beauty and amenities of landscape and man-made developments;
- provide healthy surroundings for family life;
- to promote the efficient and economical use of public funds;
- incorporate any master plan adopted under Wis. Stat. § 62.23(2) or (3) and the official map of any city or village in
the county adopted under Wis. Stat. § 62.23(6).

15.110 Authority

This Chapter is adopted under the authority of Wis. Stat. §§ 59.69 to 59.698, 66.1001 to 66.1037; and additional authority
cited in specific sections of this Chapter.

15.115 Applicability

1. Generally. The following shall comply with this Chapter:
a. The use of any land or water,
b. the size, shape and placement of lots,
c. the use, size and locations of structures on lots,
d. the installation and maintenance of water supply and waste disposal facilities,
e. the filling, grading, lagooning and dredging and any land, and
f. the subdivision of lots.
2. Governmental Units
a. Unless specifically exempted by law, all cities, villages, towns and counties shall comply with this Chapter and
obtain all necessary permits.
b. State agencies shall comply with this Chapter if Wis. Stat. § 13.48(13) applies.
3. Statutory Exemptions. This Chapter does not apply to any use, development, building or activity that is exempt
from this Chapter by state or federal law. This section supersedes any other section of this Chapter to the extent of
any inconsistency.

15.116 to 15.199 Reserved.

ZONING DISTRICTS

Contents:
15.200 General Provisions

15.205 Districts Established
15.220 AG-1 Agricultural District
15.221 AG-2 Agricultural District
15.230 R-1 Residential District
15.231 R-2 Residential District
15.232 R-3 Residential District
15.240 C-1 Commercial District
15.241 C-2 Commercial District
15.242 C-3 Commercial District
15.250 I-1 Industrial District
15.251 I-2 Industrial District
15.252 NMO Nonmetallic Mining Overlay
15.275 CON Conservancy District
15.285 Use Table
15.286 to 15.299 Reserved.

15.200 General Provisions

1. This Subchapter establishes the Zoning Districts, along with the use and dimensional standards for property within
each district. [ § 15.285 establishes the uses allowed within each district]

15.205 Districts Established

1. This subchapter divides the area to which it applies into districts. Each district has its own rules on use, yard space,
lot size and building height.

2. The zoning districts are categorized as base and overlay districts, as follows:

Table 15.205.1 District Categories
District Category Description Districts (Symbol)
Base Districts that establish uniform use, dimensional and Agricultural (AG-1)
design standards. Agricultural (AG-2)
Residential (R-1)
Residential (R-2)
Residential (R-3)
Commercial (C-1)
Commercial (C-2)
Commercial (C-3)
Industrial (I-1)
Industrial (I-2)
Conservancy (CON)
Overlay A zoning district that is superimposed on one or more Shoreland Overlay (SO)
other zoning districts and imposes additional restrictions on Lower St. Croix Riverway Overlay (SCR)
the underlying base districts. Floodplain Overlay (FO)
Non-Metallic Mining Overlay (NMO)

15.220 AG-1 Agricultural District

Purpose: The purpose of the AG-1 District is to preserve productive agricultural lands, protect existing farm and forestry
operations from encroachment by incompatible uses, promote further investments in farming and maintain farmer eligibility
for incentive programs. The AG-1 District meets the criteria for certification as a Farmland Preservation Zoning District under
Wis. Stat. §91.38.
1. Permitted and Conditional Uses.
a. Refer to § 15.285.

2. Dimensional Standards.

Table 15.220.1 AG-1 Dimensional Standards
1 Lot area (min) 3 acres
2 Density (max) 1 principal dwelling per 40 acres or quarter-quarter (¼ - ¼) section
50 feet
3 Height (max)
No height limit applies to agricultural accessory uses such as silos, bins, barns and seed storage facilities
4 Street setback (min) 50'
10' any side
5 Side setback (min)
5' accessory structure, 100' structure that houses animals
25' for principal building
6 Rear setback (min)
5' accessory structure, 100' structure that houses animals
Notes: "min" = minimum required | "max" = maximum allowed | "DU" = dwelling unit | "ac" = gross acres

Figure 15.220.1 AG-1 Dimensional Standards

3. Restriction on Rezoning. No land in the AG-1 District shall be rezoned except in accordance with § 15.540 and
Wis. Stat. § 91.48.

15.221 AG-2 Agricultural District

Purpose: The purpose of the AG-2 District is to preserve productive agricultural lands, protect existing farm and forestry
operations from encroachment by incompatible uses, promote further investments in farming and maintain farmer eligibility
for incentive programs. The AG-2 District meets the criteria for certification as a Farmland Preservation Zoning District under
Wis. Stat. §91.38.
The permitted uses in the AG-2 District are often indistinguishable from an active farm operation. Conditional uses in this
District are clearly commercial or industrial in nature and may involve facilities or processes that require a remote location
distant from incompatible uses, proximity to agricultural products or suppliers and/or access to utility services or major
transportation infrastructure.

1. Permitted and Conditional Uses. Refer to Sec. 15.285.
2. Dimensional Standards.
Table 15.221.1 AG-2 Dimensional Standards
1 Lot area (min) 3 acres
2 Density (max) 2 principal dwellings per 40 acres or quarter-quarter (¼ - ¼) section
50 feet
3 Height (max)
No height limit applies to agricultural accessory uses such as silos, bins, barns and seed storage facilities
4 Street setback (min) 50'
10' any side
5 Side setback (min)
5' accessory structure, 100' structure that houses animals
25' for principal building
6 Rear setback (min)
5' accessory structure, 100' structure that houses animals
Notes: "min" = minimum required | "max" = maximum allowed | "DU" = dwelling unit | "ac" = gross acres
Figure 15.221.1 AG-2 Dimensional Standards

3. Restriction on Rezoning. No land in the AG-2 District shall be rezoned except in accordance with § 15.540 and
Wis. Stat. § 91.48.

15.230 R-1 Residential District

Purpose: The R-1 district establishes areas within which agricultural uses, commercial uses serving agriculture and limited
residential uses with a rural character are located. The R-1 District includes areas in or adjacent to agricultural uses, and
that may retain an agricultural character. However, exclusive agricultural use (i.e. AG-1 or AG-2) on an area-wide basis is
not warranted due to the existence of residential uses, demonstrated or expected ability of farm and selected nonfarm uses
to exist in close proximity without undue conflict, the need to buffer agricultural and urban-residential uses, and related
factors.
1. Permitted and Conditional Uses
a. Refer to Sec. 15.285.
2. Density and Lots
a. The number of potential lots that may be created from an existing parcel while it is zoned R-1 will be calculated
by the Land Use Administrator whenever a land division is proposed. The allowable number of parcels shall be
calculated by dividing the size of the parcel at adoption of this ordinance by 10. (Example: 35-acre
parcel/10=3.5 which rounds up to 4 lots)
3. Dimensional Standards.

Table 15.230.1 R-1 Dimensional Standards
Standard Design
1 Lot area (min) 1.5 acre minimum
2 Density (max) 1 principal dwelling per 10 acres
50 feet
3 Height (max) No height limit applies to agricultural accessory uses such as silos, bins, barns and seed
storage facilities
4 Street setback (min) 50'
10' any side
5 Side setback (min)
5' accessory structure,100' structure housing animals
25' for principal building
6 Rear setback (min)
5' accessory structure, 100' structure housing animals
Notes: "min" = minimum required | "max" = maximum allowed | "DU" = dwelling unit | "ac" = gross acres | -- = not applicable.

Figure 15.230.1 R-1 Dimensional Standards

15.231 R-2 Residential District

Purpose: The R-2 district provides for limited residential uses with a rural character and provides for higher residential
density than R-1. This district restricts agricultural uses to lower-intensity operations and prevents large-scale or noxious
agricultural processing uses.

1. Permitted and Conditional Uses
a. Refer to Sec. 15.285.

2. Dimensional Standards.
Table 15.231.1 R-2 Dimensional Standards
Standard Design Conservation Design
1 Lot area (min) 1.5 acres --
2 Density (max) -- See Subdivision Ordinance Add Link
Principal Building:
50 feet
3 Height (max) Accessory Structure:
25 feet
No height limit applies to agricultural accessory uses such as silos, bins, barns and seed storage facilities
4 Street setback (min) 50' 25'
10' for principal building 10' for principal building
5 Side setback (min)
5' accessory structure 5' accessory structure
25' for principal building 10' for principal building
6 Rear setback (min)
5' accessory structure 5' accessory structure
7 Open Space (min) -- 40% of gross site area
Notes: "min" = minimum required | "max" = maximum allowed | "DU" = dwelling unit | "ac" = gross acres | -- = not applicable.
Figure 15.231.1 R-2 Dimensional Standards

15.232 R-3 Residential District

Purpose: The R-3 district accommodates and protects the essential characteristics of areas with a predominantly low-density
residential character, along with community and recreational uses that serve the district's residents. The R-3 district allows
limited multi-family appropriate for rural areas and requires extension of municipal water and wastewater treatment or a
common septic or community wastewater treatment system. Lower-density multi-family uses are allowed depending on site
characteristics and town/county plans.

1. Permitted and Conditional Uses. Refer to § 15.285.
2. Dimensional Standards.

Table 15.232.1 R-3 Dimensional Standards
Standard Design Conservation Design
1 Lot area (min) Sewered lots: 14,520 sf (1/3 acre) --
4.5 principal dwelling units per acre
3 principal dwelling units per acre
2 Density (max) Maximum 8 attached dwellings per
Maximum 8 attached dwellings per building
building
Principal Building:
50 feet
3 Height (max)
Accessory Structure:
25 feet
4 Street setback (min) 25' 25'
10' for principal building 10' for principal building
5 Side setback (min)
5' accessory structure 5' accessory structure
25' for principal building 10' for principal building
6 Rear setback (min)
5' accessory structure 5' accessory structure
7 Open Space (min) -- 40% of gross site area
Landscaping / Civic
8 10% of lot area 10% of lot area
Space (min)
Notes: "min" = minimum required | "max" = maximum allowed | "DU" = dwelling unit | "ac" = gross acres | -- = not applicable.
Table 15.232.1 R-3 Dimensional Standards

15.240 C-1 Commercial District

Purpose: The C-1 district is established for commercial uses in areas that serve the County's agricultural businesses and
rural communities. This district accommodates commercial and other non-residential uses while protecting surrounding
properties from excessive noise, traffic, drainage, or other potential nuisance factors. Landscaping, parking, and paving
standards appropriate for rural areas are established in the Development Standards subchapter to protect surrounding
development, minimize stormwater runoff, and mitigate aesthetic impacts consistent with a rural environment.

1. Permitted and Conditional Uses. Refer to § 15.285.
2. Dimensional Standards.

Table 15.240.1 C-1 Dimensional Standards
1 Lot area (min) 1.5 acres
2 Height (max) 50 feet
3 Street setback (min) 50'
4 Side setback (min) 10' any side 5' accessory structure
25' for principal building
5 Rear setback (min)
5' accessory structure
6 Residential setback (min) 50' principal building and 20' for accessory structure abutting residential zoning district
Landscaping / Civic 5% of lot area, may be used for stormwater collection area.
7
Space (min)
Notes: "min" = minimum required | "max" = maximum allowed | "DU" = dwelling unit | "ac" = gross acres | -- = not applicable.

Figure 15.240.1 C-1 Dimensional Standards

15.241 C-2 Commercial District

Purpose: The C-2 district provides for rural and agricultural tourism and entertainment uses such as wedding barns,
agritourism activities with sales of off-site products, outdoor recreation, and related activities. This district accommodates
those uses while protecting surrounding properties from excessive noise, traffic, drainage, or other potential nuisance
factors.
1. Permitted and Conditional Uses. Agricultural Entertainment and Agritainment, consistent with the Use
Regulations.
2. Dimensional Standards.

Table 15.241.1 C-2 Dimensional Standards
1 Lot area (min) 3 acres
2 Height (max) 50 feet
3 Street setback (min) 50'
10' for principal building
4 Side setback (min)
5' accessory structure
25' for principal structure
5 Rear setback (min)
5' accessory structure
6 Residential setback (min) 50' principal building and 20' for accessory structure abutting residential zoning district
Landscaping / Civic 5% of lot area, may be used for stormwater collection.
7
Space (min)
Notes: "min" = minimum required | "max" = maximum allowed | "DU" = dwelling unit | "ac" = gross acres | -- = not applicable.

Figure 15.241.1 C-2 Dimensional Standards

15.242 C-3 Commercial District

Purpose: The C-3 district is established to provide for commercial uses in corridors and centers that are accessible to
residential neighborhoods or other businesses. This district accommodates commercial and other non-residential uses while
protecting surrounding properties from excessive noise, traffic, drainage, or other potential nuisance factors. Landscaping,
parking, and paving standards are established in the Development Standards subchapter to protect surrounding
development, minimize stormwater runoff, and mitigate aesthetic impacts consistent with development in and abutting
corridors and centers.

1. Permitted and Conditional Uses. Refer to § 15.285.
2. Dimensional Standards.

Table 15.242.1 C-3 Dimensional Standards
1 Lot area (min) 1.5 acres
2 Height (max) 50 feet
3 Street setback (min) 50'
4 Side setback (min) 10' for principal building, 5' accessory structure
25' for principal building
5 Rear setback (min)
5' accessory structure
6 Residential setback (min) 50' principal building and 20' for accessory structure abutting residential zoning district
Landscaping / Civic 10% of lot area
7
Space (min)
Notes: "min" = minimum required | "max" = maximum allowed | "DU" = dwelling unit | "ac" = gross acres | -- = not applicable.

Figure 15.242.1 C-3 Dimensional Standards

15.250 I-1 Industrial District

Purpose: The I-1 District provides for development of light industrial uses in an industrial park setting, or for employment
or production type uses that are fully enclosed and have low intensity and environmental, noise, vibration, or related
impacts. These uses may include amenities and open space that serve employees, including limited and internalized retail
and service uses.

1. Permitted and Conditional Uses. Refer to § 15.285.
2. Dimensional Standards.

Table 15.250.1 I-1 Dimensional Standards
1 Lot area (min) 1.5 acres
2 Height (max) 50 feet
3 Street setback (min) 50 feet
4 Side setback (min) 10' for principal building, 5' accessory structure
25' for principal building
5 Rear setback (min)
5' accessory structure
6 Residential setback (min) 50' principal building and 20' for accessory structure abutting residential zoning district
Landscaping / Civic 15% of lot area
7
Space (min)
Notes: "min" = minimum required | "max" = maximum allowed | "DU" = dwelling unit | "ac" = gross acres | -- = not applicable.

Figure 15.250.1 I-1 Dimensional Standards

15.251 I-2 Industrial District

Purpose: The I-2 district is created to accommodate production, processing, assembly, warehousing and distribution uses
with related outdoor storage needs. The Heavy Industrial district requires sufficient space in appropriate locations for
industrial uses while protecting surrounding properties from excessive noise, traffic, drainage, or other potential nuisance
factors and air, water or thermal pollution or any other environmental degradation.
The district also protects locations where a variety of compatible industrial uses are located.

1. Permitted and Conditional Uses. Refer to § 15.285.
2. Dimensional Standards.

Table 15.251.1 I-2 Dimensional Standards
1 Lot area (min) 1.5 acres
2 Height (max) 50 feet
3 Street setback (min) 50 feet
10' for principal building
4 Side setback (min)
5' accessory structure
25' for principal building
5 Rear setback (min)
5' accessory structure
6 Residential setback (min) 100' for principal building and 20' for accessory structure abutting residential zoning district
Landscaping / Civic 15% of lot area
7
Space (min)
Notes: "min" = minimum required | "max" = maximum allowed | "DU" = dwelling unit | "ac" = gross acres | -- = not applicable.

Figure 15.251.1 I-2 Dimensional Standards

15.252 NMO Nonmetallic Mining Overlay

Purpose: The Nonmetallic Mining Overlay provides for the site location of new and expansion of existing heavy
industrial non-metallic mining sites. Nonmetallic mining is an important industry that contributes to the County's economic
well-being. However, heavy industrial mining operations, if not properly sited and regulated, can create short-term and
long-term damage to the physical environment and tax base. The NMO allows the County to permit the expansion of
existing heavy industrial mining sites, engage in case-by-case review of proposals for new heavy industrial mining sites,
and regulate heavy industrial mining to minimize or prevent damage to the public and to restore mining sites to a useful
and stable condition after mining ceases.
1. Permitted and Conditional Uses. The following uses are allowed:
a. Heavy Industrial Mining operations, subject to an approved reclamation plan and any conditions of approval of
an NMO district, and consistent with Chapter 14 of the County Code, all applicable state and federal regulations,
and any conditions of a permit or reclamation plan approved by the County and the State of Wisconsin; and
b. Permitted and conditional uses allowed in the base district, subject to their applicable requirements and approval
processes.
2. Dimensional Standards.
a. The nonmetallic mining site must comply with any buffer zone, setback, height, or area of operations standards
required by Chapter 14 of the County Code, any state or federal statute, and any condition of a state or County
permit.

15.275 CON Conservancy District

Purpose: The Conservancy District preserves and perpetuates in an open state area such as lowland swamps, marshes and
wetlands, floodplains and stream beds, slopes, bluffs, wooded areas, native or restored prairie, parks, recreation areas,
wildlife habitat and other areas of aesthetic value which, because of their unique physical features, are deemed desirable
to be retained for the benefit of this and future generations.

1. Permitted and Conditional Uses. Refer to Sec. 15.285.
2. Dimensional Standards.

Table 15.275.1 Conservancy District Dimensional Standards
Impervious surface
1 10%
coverage (max)
2 Street setback (min) 50 feet
Notes: "min" = minimum required | "max" = maximum allowed.

15.285 Use Table

1. Use Categories. The Use Table (see Table 15.285.2) establishes uses permitted within each zoning district, and
how they are permitted. The uses permitted in each of the Zoning Districts established in this Chapter are defined
as follows:

Table 15.285.1 Use Categories
Uses in the Use Table identified by "P" in any column are permitted subject to district regulations, any
P Permitted by Right conditions of rezoning, and the conditions specified in the Use Regulations or Development Standards or
elsewhere in this Chapter.
L Land Use Permit The use is permitted if a land use permit is issued (see § 15.555).
Conditional Uses are uses that are allowed only after the County Community Development Committee reviews
the proposed use, holds a public hearing and decides whether to approve the use, based upon the application
C Conditional Use of standards found in this chapter. Conditional uses are also subject to any conditions and limitations
specified in the Use Regulations or imposed as a condition of conditional use permit approval. See Submittal
Requirements for application information.
Uses in the Use Table identified with an "A" are permitted only as an accessory use to another use that is
A Accessory
permitted as a by right or conditional use in the applicable district.

Table 15.285.1 Use Categories
U Use Regulations Permission, standards and location determined by Use Regulations
Not Permitted Uses in the Use Table identified by a blank cell are not permitted in that particular district.
Not Listed Not permitted unless the use is approved as provided in subsection 3 below.

2. Additional Regulations Apply. The fact that a use is shown as a permitted use does not always mean that the
project may proceed. Chapter 12 Sanitary, Chapter 13 Land Division, or other sections of this code may result in a
permitted use not being allowed to proceed, depending upon the manner in which those provisions apply.
3. Uses Not Listed.
a. The Land Use Administrator may determine that an unlisted use is permitted by right or as a conditional use if
sufficiently similar in nature and impact to a permitted use or a conditional use. The Land Use Administrator
may require the applicant to provide justification on how the proposed use is similar to one of the uses listed in
the use table. The determination may be appealed to the Board of Adjustment as an appeal of an administrative
decision.
4. Preemption. Uses regulated by the State of Wisconsin and exempt from local control are permitted subject to state
regulations.
15.285.2 Use Table
AG-
Use Category AG-1 R-1 R-2 R-3 C-1 C-2 C-3 I-1 I-2 CON
2
AGRICULTURE

Aquaculture P P P P P
Beekeeping P P P P A P
Crop or Forage Production P P P P P
Enrolled Land P P P P P
Farm-Based Biopower Facility A/C A/C
Farm-Based Manure Processing Facility A/C A/C
Floriculture P P P P
Forest Management P P P P P
Fur Farm P P P C C
Keeping Livestock P P P P
Sod or Christmas Tree Production P P P P
Wholesale Nursery P P P
Agricultural Resource Production P P C
Animal Production, Other C
Community Garden C C P P P P P
Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) C C P P P P P
Crop/Limited Agriculture P P P P A P P
Grazing P P P P P
Greenhouse A A A P A
Harvesting of Wild Crops P P P P P
Livestock Facility (< 200 animal units) (§
15.360; L where required by Table 15.360.1) P P P P
*
Livestock Facility (200-499 animal units) (§
15.360; L where required P P P
by Table 15.360.1)*

15.285.2 Use Table
AG-
Use Category AG-1 R-1 R-2 R-3 C-1 C-2 C-3 I-1 I-2 CON
2
Livestock Facility (> 500 animal units) (§
15.360; L where required L L L/C
by Table 15.360.1)*
Manure Storage P P C C
Pick-Your-Own Operations P P P P
Raising of Chickens and Ducks* P P A A A
Raising of Waterfowl, Fowl, and Fish P
Stock Yard or Livestock Auction Facility C C C C

RESIDENTIAL AG-1 AG-2 R-1 R-2 R-3 C-1 C-2 C-3 I-1 I-2 CON
Residences
Dwelling, Single-Family P P P P
Caretaker Unit A
Conservation Design Development (§
P P P
15.325)*
Dwelling, Secondary Farm L L L
Dwelling, Two-Family L L P
Farm Residence, Single-Family, Manufactured
P P
and Modular
Manufactured Home P P P P P P
Mobile Home Park C C

Modular Home P P P P
Multifamily Dwelling P
Temporary Residence (§ 15.390)* L L L L L
Group Living
Community Living Arrangement (9-15
C C P
persons) (Wis. Stat. § 59.69(15))
Community Living Arrangement (> 15
C C C
persons) (Wis. Stat. § 59.69(15))
Foster Home / Adult Family Home (Wis. Stat.
P P P
§ 59.69(15)(bm), (br)2)
Life Care or Continuing Care Service P P
Retirement Housing Service P P
Skilled-Nursing Service (above intermediate
P P
level nursing care)
LODGING AG-1 AG-2 R-1 R-2 R-3 C-1 C-2 C-3 I-1 I-2 CON
Boarding House P
Bed and Breakfast (subject to Wis. Stat.
§ 97.01(1g) or 97.625(1p) as determined by C C C C C C
DATCP)
Campground, Private (§ 15.322) C C C C C
Campground, Public (§ 15.322) C C L
Special Event Camping L C C L L L

15.285.2 Use Table
AG-
Use Category AG-1 R-1 R-2 R-3 C-1 C-2 C-3 I-1 I-2 CON
2
Hotel or Motel C
Short-Term Rental (§ 15.375)* L L L L L
ART, ENTERTAINMENT, & RECREATION AG-1 AG-2 R-1 R-2 R-3 C-1 C-2 C-3 I-1 I-2 CON
Adult Establishment (§ 15.310)* L L L L
Agricultural Entertainment (< 10 days) (§
15.315 L if > 100 persons during 24-hour L L L
period)*
Agricultural Entertainment (> 10 days) (§
15.315; L if > 100 persons during 24-hour C C C
period)*
Agricultural Entertainment (< 30 days)
(§ 15.315; L if > 100 persons during 24-hour P
period)*
Agricultural Entertainment (> 30 days)
(§ 15.315; L if > 100 persons during 24-hour C
period)*
Amusement or Theme Park C
Drive-In Theater C C
Farm Exhibition (< 5 days)
(§ 15.315; L if > 100 persons during 24-hour A A P
period)*
Farm Exhibition (> 5 days)
(§ 15.315; L if > 100 persons during 24-hour A/C A/C L
period)*

Golf Course C C C C C
Hiking, Biking, and Bridle Trails C C P P P P P P P P P
Indoor Recreational Facility C C
Miniature Golf P
Museum C L L L
Outdoor Entertainment Facility C C
Outdoor Recreational Facility C C C C C
Racetrack C
Skiing Facilities * C C
Stadium, Arena, or Conference Center C
Theater, Movie, or Performing Arts C
Zoos, Botanical Gardens, Arboreta, and
C
similar uses
COMMERCIAL/MIXED USE AG-1 AG-2 R-1 R-2 R-3 C-1 C-2 C-3 I-1 I-2 CON
Animal Services
Game Management P P C C
Kennel, Commercial (§ 15.355)* A/C A/C C P P
Stable, Commercial A/C A/C C C C C
Veterinary Clinic P P
Automotive
Automotive Parts, Accessories, and Tire
P
Stores
Automotive Service, Repair, and Towing P P

15.285.2 Use Table
AG-
Use Category AG-1 R-1 R-2 R-3 C-1 C-2 C-3 I-1 I-2 CON
2

Car Wash A
Dealerships (Motor, Off-Road, Watercraft,
P
and Implements)
Vehicle Service Station/(Charging Station) P P P
Truck Service, Repair, and Towing P P P P
Auto Garage/Condo C C
Day Care
Childcare Home, Family (< 8 children) A A A A A A A
Childcare Center (Wis.Stat. § 48.65) P P
Group Day Care P P
Financial Services
Financial or Investment Institution P
Food & Beverage Sales/Service
Bar or Tavern P
Grocery Store P
Liquor Store P
Restaurant P
Roadside Stand* P

AI-generated analysis where available. Verify with official sources.

Summary: Confirm County Administrator appointment of Tina Forrest as Chief Medical Examiner

AI-generated analysis where available. Verify with official sources.

Summary: RESOLUTION ADOPTING 2025-2028
LIBRARY PLAN OF SERVICES

1 WHEREAS, the mission of St. Croix County's Library Plan of Service is to ensure
2 equitable access to high-quality library resources for all residents, enabling them to read, engage,
3 work, create, and learn; and
4
5 WHEREAS, the County is committed to providing equitable funding to libraries within
6 its jurisdiction to meet the diverse needs of its residents, including rural residents; and
7
8 WHEREAS, the 2025-2028 Library Plan of Service ("Plan") has been developed in
9 alignment with Wisconsin Statute §§ 43.11 and 43.12, reflecting the County's statutory
10 requirements for library services and funding; and
11
12 WHEREAS, the Plan outlines priorities such as equitable access to library services,
13 interlibrary collaboration, support for literacy programs, and continuous evaluation to maintain
14 relevance and effectiveness; and
15
16 WHEREAS, the Plan has been reviewed and recommended by the Administration
17 Committee to meet the current and future needs of St. Croix County residents.
18
19 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the St. Croix County Board of
20 Supervisors that the St. Croix County Library Plan of Service 2025-2028 is hereby adopted as
21 the guiding document for the delivery and funding of library services in St. Croix County.
22
Administration Committee Recommended
MOVER: Bob Long
SECONDER: Ryan Sherley
AYES: Paul Berning, Scott Counter, Bob Feidler, Bob Long, Ryan Sherley
EXCUSED: None

St. Croix County Board of Supervisors Action:
This Resolution was ADOPTED by the St. Croix County Board of Supervisors on February 4,
2025

___________________________________ ___________________________________
Bob Long, County Board Chair Christine Hines, County Clerk

Field Services
ST. CROIX COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE Investigations, Patrol, Court Services
1101 Carmichael Road, Hudson, WI 54016 715-381-4320 Fax: 715-386-4606
715-381-4320 Fax: 715-386-4606
www.sccwi.gov Corrections
Jail, Huber
715-386-4752 Fax: 715-381-4402

Scott L. Knudson Support Services
Sheriff Emergency Communications
Brent Standaert Emergency Management, Records
Chief Deputy 715-386-4751 Fax: 715-386-4389

2024 Annual Report
ST. CROIX COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE

Prologue:

May 6, 2024, marked the one-year anniversary of the murder of our friend and co-worker, Deputy Kaitie
Leising. Kaitie's murder had a profound impact on our Sheriff's Office family; our Deputies continue to
mourn and cope with a new and uncertain future. Through the strength of love for Kaitie, determination of
will and a commitment to duty, the men and women of the St. Croix County Sheriff's office will move forward
to not only survive, but thrive. - Sheriff Knudson

Annual Report:

The mission of the St. Croix County Sheriff's Office is to enhance the quality of life in St. Croix County by
working collaboratively with our public safety partners and community members to honorably safeguard
the lives, property, and constitutional rights of the citizens we serve. This is accomplished by providing
quality emergency communications service to the public and emergency service providers; enforcing the
law with integrity and fairness; supporting local governments in preparedness, response and recovery efforts;
and providing for a safe environment for all residents and visitors.

Summary of Responsibilities

The Office of Sheriff has inherent common law powers and sovereignty granted under the Wisconsin
Statutes, and the duties are described in Wisconsin State Statue 59.27.

Consistent with the values of a free society, it is the primary objective of the St. Croix County Sheriff's Office
to strive toward a society free from crime and disorder. In doing so, the Office's role is to enforce the law in
a fair and impartial manner, recognizing both the statutory and judicial limitations of police authority and
the constitutional rights of all persons. It is not the role of the Office to legislate, render legal judgments or
to punish.
Organizational Summary

The Sheriff is an elected position. The Sheriff's Office has 129 full time positions and is organized into four
main Bureaus:

- Administration Bureau (1 FTE's)

[1]
is to provide general management, direction and control for all Bureaus.
Corrections Bureau (36 FTE's)
o The Corrections Bureau is commanded by the Jail Captain, whose primary responsibility is to
provide general management, direction, and control of the operations for the county jail.
- Field Services Bureau (60.6 FTE's)
o The Field Services Bureau is commanded by the Field Services Captain, whose primary
responsibility is to provide general management, direction and control for the Field Services
Bureau. The Field Services Bureau consists of the Field Services Division (Patrol), and the
Special Services Division (Investigations, Court Services, Property and Evidence).
- Support Services Bureau (31.5 FTE's)
o The Support Services Bureau is commanded by the Support Services Captain, whose primary
responsibility is to provide general management, direction and control for the Support
Services Bureau. The Support Services Bureau includes the Administrative Services Division
(Records and Budget management), Emergency Communications Division, and Emergency
Management Division.

Memorial

During National Police Week, May 12 through May 18, 2024, 32 members of the Sheriff's Office attended
memorial ceremonies at the State Capitol in Madison and National Law Enforcement Memorial in
Washington D.C. to honor Kaitie Leising's memory and sacrifice. We were able see Kaitie's name added to
the State and National Law Enforcement Memorials. In addition to honoring Kaitie's memory, officers
received peer support and tools to help navigate the healing process. Thanks to generous donations to the
Take Action. Honor Kaitie. fund, much of the travel during Police Week were covered.

Office

In January 2024, our office was re-located to a temporary space in the north addition of the government
center while the building was expanded and renovation. The relocation was a challenge, but we were still
able to offer services to the public. We moved temporary evidence storage to the warm storage building;
our staff split time between remote work and timeshare at the New Richmond DD building.

In September 2024, we moved into the partially completed space on the ground level and fully took
occupancy in October. We are extremely happy with the improvements and our new home. We appreciate
the County Board for seeing the need for improvements and the investment into the next 20-30 years of
growth. We also must extend our gratitude to the facilities department, contractors, and architects for
listening to our concerns and developing a good construction plan.

[2]

Achieve full staffing levels in all Bureaus
- As of the end of 2024, the dispatch center was down one position, the jail was down five positions and
patrol was down two positions
Continue to provide training and support for the overall mental health and physical wellness of all employees
- All employees attended a wellness session and peer support was active
Administer the Hazard Mitigation Assistance Grant (HMGP) and update All-Hazard Mitigation 5-Year Plan
(2023-2028)
- HMGP was completed and adopted by the County Board in September 2024
Install mesh security screening on upper tiers of four cell blocks and upgrade flooring material in all
cell blocks in the pod
- Installation began in September and was completed the first week of January 2025
Conduct preparedness, planning, and awareness outreach activities
- Emergency Management continued with outreach, education and all hazard mitigation plan
Upgrade Emergency Communications to implement CAD to CAD,
- CAD to CAD data sharing with Allina EMS project continues and should be completed in 2025
Prepare for future console additions in the Communications Center
- Construction began in September, two additional consoles finished install in December
Implement new body worn and squad car camera system for patrol
- Finished outfitting all squads with cameras and finished fully outfitting all officers and jailers with body
worn cameras
Implement new cell check/body worn camera system for the jail
- New Life Check system went online at the end of 2023 and full utilization began in 2024.

2025 Issues, Concerns and Objectives

Issues and concerns:

- Recruitment and hiring continue to be challenging
- Prepare and plan for the Department of Corrections moving into building
- Continue long-term radio and communication network plan
- Continued assessment of security logistics due to the expanded footprint of the
government center
- On-going review of software increasing maintenance and subscription costs
- Increasing number and complexity of open records requests straining current assigned
staff
- Increasing inmate population approaching functional capacity of jail
- Increase in need to separate inmates due to mental health, violent tendencies and the
ongoing challenges of inmate classifications

Goals and objectives:

- Prioritize recruitment and hiring to strive for full staffing levels
- Engage the public, county board, and stakeholders with education and trends surrounding
a jail expansion project
[3]
- On-going investment into officer wellness programs
- Implement Abuse in Later Life grant, in collaboration with HHS and District Attorney's
Office
- Utilize new facilities and technologies to host local training events

[4]
2024 Adopted Budget 2024 Year to date 12/31/2024 GRANTS
Grants
Bureau Revenues Expenses Revenues Expenses Levy
Awarded
Sheriff 250,000 10,424,073 524,624 10,104,506 10,174,073 174,137

Corrections 300,000 4,795,124 388,647 4,580,520 4,495,124

EmerComm 26,680 2,533,096 5,840 2,384,025 2,506,415 49,680

EmerMgmt 131,874 233,796 46,662 238,617 101,922 683,777

TOTALS 708,554 17,986,089 965,773 17,307,668 17,277,53 907,595

[5]

[6]

Bureau Purpose: To provide staff, inmates, the community and the Criminal Justice System, a safe and
secure environment for the incarceration of persons who have been charged with or convicted of offenses.

Bureau Organization - The Corrections Bureau consists of the following divisions:
- Jail Division
- Huber/Electronic Home Monitoring

Accomplishments and Statistics
The inmate population continues to increase. There were 2,714 people booked into the jail in 2024, compared
to 2,470 the year before. The jail's average daily population in 2024 was 116 with a high count of 145 inmates
on multiple days in August.
Average Daily Population
150 135 131 132
125 125 123 122
116 119 116 120 116 113
106 108 105 103
99 100 98 92 95 93 100
83
100 79 81 74 78 75 82

50

0

Feb-23 Feb-24
Feb-18 Feb-19 Feb-20 Feb-21 Feb-22

Aug-17 Aug-18 Aug-19 Aug-20 Aug-21 Aug-22 Aug-23 Aug-24

Nov-19 Nov-20
Nov-17 Nov-18 Nov-21 Nov-22 Nov-23 Nov-24

May-17 May-18 May-19 May-20 May-21 May-22 May-23 May-24
INMATE COUNT INMATE

The jail's inmate capacity is 184 inmates. The Wisconsin Department of Corrections has a guideline that
suggests limits to a jail's functional capacity at 80% of total beds. Our functional capacity; therefore, is 147
inmates. Once the daily population reaches 150 inmates, we will send inmates to other facilities. If the current
population trends continue, we will estimate that we will regularly surpass 150 inmates within the next 2-3
years.

The need for mental health continues to increase for inmates. In 2024, the number of bed days we dedicated
to suicide or special watches increased to 960 days of allocated beds, up from 712 the year before. In 2024,
a total of 321 inmates received mental health services in the jail, spread over 1,336 individual visits with
providers.
INMATES ON SPECIAL INMATE SPECIAL WATCH
WATCHS TOTAL BED DAYS

2023 # inmates 2024 # inmates 2023 # cell days 2024 # cell days

283

960

235

215

808

712

125

386

70

215

48

40

111

95

20
57

15 15
30 min 60 min Total for 30 min 60 min Total for
min/Activ min/Activ
watch watch the year watch watch the year
e watch e watch
2023 # inmates 70 40 125 235 2023 # cell days 215 111 386 712
2024 # inmates 48 20 215 283 2024 # cell days 95 57 808 960

[7]
The jail purchased a modular jail cell and training mats for the New Richmond DD building to help train jailers
and patrol deputies in safe applications of cell extractions and use of force techniques.

In the fall of 2024, the jail started installing security screening on the upper mezzanines at the pod area. The
screening will help to reduce dangers to inmates and staff. During the install, we removed carpet in each
housing unit and replaced it with polish concrete. To facilitate the project, some inmates were moved to
Pierce County and others were released to electronic home monitoring early.

We continue to offer robust programs to the inmates for education, wellness, and faith-based options. A
combination of on-line and in-person classes are offered on a regular basis in the jail. We currently have 42
community volunteers, 19 professional instructors and 1 in-house instructors. A total of 6,021 hours of
combined services were provided to inmates in 2024.

[8]

Bureau Purpose: To enhance the quality of life in St. Croix County by working cooperatively with the public
to enforce the law, preserve the peace, reduce the fear of crime, and provide for a safe environment.

Bureau Organization:
The Field Services Bureau consists of the following divisions:
- Primary Services Division - Patrol Officers
- Investigations Division - Investigative services
- Court Services Division - Court house security and civil process

PRIMARY SERVICES DIVISION

Accomplishments and Statistics

In 2024, the County Board added 8 additional patrol deputies to our ranks, bringing the total allotted number
to 33 patrol deputies and 5 sergeants.

In 2024, the St. Croix County Sheriff's Office responded to 38,132 calls for service. This number includes such
calls as domestics, crashes, thefts, medicals, fires, and assists, but is not all inclusive to the type of calls for
service we responded to.

CRIMINAL REFERRALS TO DISTRICT ATTORNEY

Felony Misdemeanor Total

1572

1234

1085

1082

1039

969

967

959

932

895

877

867

817

755

722

711

706

702

679

654

631

628

624 624

608

590

577

565

532

520

480

462

457

451

439

411

377

323

295

292

290

285

273

271

243

242

223
221

2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024

[9]

TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT
3000 2832
2460
2500

2000 1712
1474 1378 1464
1500 1236 1229
1073

1000 733

500
197 156 171
112 91
0
Traffic Citation Warnings Ordinances

2020 2021 2022 2023 2024

2024 Traffic Crash Statistics (County-Wide)

Total Crashes - 2,307
Crash with Injuries - 332 (414 total injured)
Fatal Crashes - 6 with 6 deceased persons
Car v. Deer Crashes - 791 (1 fatality, 30 total injured)

[10]
K-9 Unit

St. Croix County has four K-9's, one assigned to each day and night shift. St. Croix County's K-9s are trained
for sniffing out and finding illegal drugs and for locating suspects of crimes, missing children, vulnerable
adults, or evidence of a crime. Our K-9s are a good connection to the community and we fulfilled numerous
requests for public demonstrations.

In 2024, K-9's were deployed 179 times.

- 76 vehicle sniffs
- 5 jail sniffs
- 12 article searches
- 15 tracks
- 34 public demonstrations
Recreation Patrol

The St. Croix River remains an active part of St. Croix County. Our Water Patrol accomplished the following
in 2024:

- 648 hours of water patrol activities
- 3 search and rescue missions
- 40 safety checks on vessels
- 31 individuals and 7 vessels assisted
- 16 citations issued
- 28 warnings issued

[11]

In 2024, the Sheriff's Office was allocated a 9th Investigator by the County Board and in 2025 we will add a
10th Investigator through a citizen referendum.

In 2024, the sheriff's office applied for and served 117 search warrants. This number includes search warrants
for drugs, electronics, vehicles, etc. There were 47 referrals from Child Protective Services to our
investigation's division. Investigators received 17 case referrals from the ICAC (Internet Crimes Against
Children) task force. The ICAC task force is a clearinghouse for online tips and complaints about on-line child
exploitation and child sexual abuse material.

Accomplishments and Statistics

Sheriff's and local law enforcement agencies from St. Croix, Polk and Pierce Counties form the St. Croix Valley
Drug Task Force. In 2024, the task force was involved in the seizures and activities:

- THC (edibles, THC products) = 932 grams
- THC Flower = 19550.03 grams
- THC Carts = 404
- THC Plants = 475
- Meth = 4680.55 grams
- Psilocybin (or edibles) = 286.19 grams
- Fentanyl = 38.73 grams
- Fentanyl pills = 148
- MDMA = 19.33 grams
- Heroin = 41.85 grams
- Cocaine = 127.7 grams
- Opiate Pills = 159
- Misc Pills = 930
- LSD = 10 doses
- DMT = .1 gram
- Residence Search Warrants = 62
- Controlled Buys = 13
- Firearms = 39
- Interdictions = 7

Computer forensics

The Sheriff's office maintains a computer forensics lab capable of analyzing various types of electronic devices
mainly consisting of cellular devices and computers. In 2024, analysts conducted 300 cell phone extractions
related to criminal investigations.

Year Number of Extractions
2020 266
2021 256
2022* 198
2023 333
2024 300
**Polk County started their own lab in 2022
[12]

The chaplain program was established for the purposes of providing spiritual and emotional support to
members of the Sheriff's Office, their families, and members of the public. The Chaplain Program is a non-
denominational, ecumenical ministry provided by volunteer clergy. Additional duties of the Chaplain
Program include assisting law enforcement with death notifications, responding to natural and accidental
death scenes, suicides, family disturbances, and incidents determined appropriate by shift personnel.
Currently the Chaplain Program consists of 4 individuals with ministry experience within a recognized faith
community who are available to assist any law enforcement agency within St. Croix County.

In 2024, the volunteer chaplains responded to 16 incidents, most of which were death scenes and/or death
notifications.
COURTS/CIVIL PROCESS DIVISION

Under Wisconsin Statutes 59.27, one of the statutory duties of the sheriff is the responsibility to tend to the
matters of the court, by the serving of all civil processes.
Accomplishments and Statistics
The Sheriff's Office served more civil process in 2024 (2,235 process and 27 foreclosures) than in
previous years.

Civil Process and Foreclosures

2500 32 35

2400 27 30
25 25
25
2300
17 20
2200
2388 15
2100
2235 10
2000 2122
2064 2069 5

1900 0
2020 2021 2022 2023 2024

Civil Process Foreclosures

Transports

In 2024, the Sheriff's Office conducted 465 transports with a total of 75,586 miles, which include transports
to and from other county jails, state prisons, federal penitentiaries, emergency detention facilities, and inmate
medical appointments. The Sheriff's office also utilized a third-party transport company, Talon Transports, 63
times.

[13]

The 2024 PLS (Project Lifesaver Program) relies on radio technology and specially trained search and rescue
teams. Clients enrolled in Project Lifesaver wear a small transmitter on the wrist or ankle that emits an
individualized frequency signal. If an enrolled client goes missing, the caregiver notifies their local Project
Lifesaver agency, and a trained emergency team responds to the client's area. The first responders will then
use the client's individualized frequency to locate the position of the individual.

- St. Croix County average number of clients: 21
- Age breakdown: 6 adults, 15 juveniles
- Main diagnosis: Autism, Alzheimer's/Dementia, Down Syndrome

[14]

Bureau Purpose: The purpose of the Support Services Bureau is to prepare and maintain the records, data,
and finances of the sheriff's office and to prepare and support first responders by providing reliable
emergency communications, uninterrupted 911 service to the community, and emergency planning/response
during times of crisis.

Bureau Organization:
o Administrative Division - Civilian support staff who prepare and manage reports, data, and finances
of the Sheriff's Office.
o Emergency Communications Division - 911 telecommunicators who dispatch calls for service to public
safety agencies and operate emergency communications networks in St. Croix County.
o Emergency Management Division - Personnel help communities reduce vulnerabilities to threats and
hazards, and cope with emergencies and disasters.

EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS DIVISION

Accomplishments and Statistics
Due to an increasing workload, we expanded the communications room by adding two additional 911
stations. In doing so, we had to renovate the suite by removing a wall for Americans with Disabilities
compliance and expanding the communication room's floor.
Emergency Communications met the needs of the county's residents and first responders by deploying the
mobile command vehicle 13 times, facilitating 10 MABAS activations for fire agencies and answering 21,500
emergency 911 phone calls.
Other stats: 80,100 non-emergency calls processed, 93,950 calls for services handled/tracked by
communication's staff and 2.3 million TIME System responses in St. Croix County.
- In 2024, we started a long-range communications plan to review the increasing needs of St. Croix
County's growing population and first responders. This plan will address our aging infrastructure,
interoperability and increased use of emergency services. Needs could include the possibility of
joining a communications network, adding radio frequencies and/or changing radio bands.

2025 goals/initiatives
- Finalize long-range communications plan
- Convert non-emergency phone lines from copper to fiber
- Enhance portable radio cache and interoperability capabilities
- Update network routers and switches to meet current cyber security requirements
- Continue with scheduled battery replacement in radio tower shelters
- Assess and utilize technology to meet the needs of the community while being mindful of rising
hardware and subscription costs.

[15]
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT DIVISION

Accomplishments and Statistics

1. Storm Damage Assistance
In 2024, St. Croix County experienced storm damage in several municipalities during multiple events.
The Village of North Hudson was the only municipality with sufficient damage to qualify for
Wisconsin Disaster Fund (WDF) assistance after a severe thunderstorm in late August. Emergency
Management supported these efforts by:
o Assisting with disaster declarations.
o Providing situational updates to Wisconsin Emergency Management (WEM) and the Regional
Director.
o Completing damage assessments and submitting Uniform Disaster Situation Reports via
WebEOC.
2. Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan (2024-2029)
The updated Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan was completed in fall 2024. This plan, updated every five
years, follows FEMA and WEM planning guidelines to enhance disaster resilience across the county.
3. Emergency Operations Center (EOC) Grant
St. Croix County secured a $549,000 grant to equip the new Emergency Operations Center (EOC)
with:
o Conferencing and display technology.
o Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS).
o Interoperable radios and antennas.
o Essential furniture.
Work is currently in the early planning phases to define the project scope.
4. Community Outreach Initiatives
Several public campaigns promoted emergency preparedness, including:
o Skywarn Storm Spotter training.
o Tornado and severe weather awareness.
o National Preparedness Month.
o Winter weather, heat, lightning, and flood safety awareness.

ADMINISTRATIVE DIVISION
Accomplishments and Statistics
The main goal in 2024 was to continue operations while we were in our temporary space during construction.
There was an organized work from home schedule due to lack of office space making our employees scattered.
There was some sharing of job responsibility and a lot of communication. Through teamwork and planning,
we were able to maintain services to the public while being in several different locations.

There is a steady rise in the number of open records requests. With the addition of in-squad cameras, the
amount of data the records custodians have to process is also rapidly increasing. Each additional video
significantly increases the data size/transfer time of a file and increases the amount of time needed to apply
redactions when necessary.

- Open records requests: 2,512 (2150 requests in 2023)

[16]
increase for the Support Services staff.

- Received 1,254 warrants from the courts to process and entry into CIB (1,369 in 2023)

- Entered 2,262 civil processes (2094 in 2023)

[17]

AI-generated analysis where available. Verify with official sources.