RACINE COUNTY OFFICE OF THE RACINE COUNTY EXECUTIVE WILLIAM L. McREYNOLDS 730 Wisconsin Avenue Racine, WI 53403
Five-Year Capital Plan

Message from the Racine County Executive: 

Racine County’s Five-Year Capital Plan is a planning tool for the future needs of Racine County Government.  The presence of items on this list does not mean that I endorse the inclusion of those items, or the level of spending they imply, in upcoming County Budgets.  The Plan provides us with a long-term view of our impending capital needs in the areas of building and maintenance, machinery and equipment. 

During the entire process, the State budget crisis has been in the hands of the Legislature and Governor in Madison, and we are still awaiting the Governor’s signature on the Budget to see what the ramifications will be for Racine County.   As a result of anticipated losses of state revenues and a tax levy freeze there will need to be serious discussions before any of the items included in this plan are approved.  If the tax levy freeze remains in the budget this will severely impact the County's ability to bond for capital. 

The Racine County Board of Supervisors is not being asked to approve the Plan or commit to any of the expenditures contained within it.  The purpose of the Plan is simply to help elected officials determine financial needs as future budgets are developed, and to serve as a basis for discussion.  Here are some of the kinds of expenditures covered in the Plan: 

• We are stewards of a number of publicly owned buildings and grounds.  The taxpayers depend on us as elected officials to ensure that the capital needs of these properties are addressed in a timely manner, so that delayed maintenance does not lead to more expensive repairs in the future. 
• Our residents expect to be protected by a dependable, well-equipped law enforcement system.  Although this plan includes funding for jail construction, the County Board will have to make the final decisions regarding this project.  This document does not address the operational costs of jail expansion, which are estimated to be as much as $3 million per year.
• Racine County citizens expect to be served by a highway department with well-maintained and reliable equipment.  
• Ridgewood Care Center is located in an aging building.  The Plan addresses the needs of this facility.
• We are proud of Racine County’s employees.  In order for them to continue to deliver services efficiently and effectively, we must supply them with the technical equipment and office furniture they require. 

This Plan is not cast in stone.  Instead, it is meant to be a “work in progress.”  It will be further refined as a result of in-depth discussions with Department Heads during the budget process.  Also, as time goes on, needs change, prices change, and unforeseen capital requirements may surface.  In coming years, new projects may be proposed that are not presently included in this Plan. Unquestionably, the state budget crisis, the changing economy and county budget restraints will impact our ability to implement the projects included in this plan.  We need to be flexible and able to react to those changing circumstances as they arise.  Meanwhile, this Plan will serve as a framework for responsible planning.

William L. McReynolds

Racine County Executive