County committee approves $180M for first phase of justice center
By Brandi Makuski
The Portage Co. Finance Committee on Monday approved borrowing $180 million for phase one of the new justice center.
The vote was unanimous, with support from Supervisors Larry Raikowski (D18), Dave Ladick (D7), Jeanne Dodge (D21), Julie Morrow (D5), and Scott Soik (D19).
The full County Board of Supervisors last week voted 15-10 to construct the new justice center on a so-called greenfield site. The site, a yet-to-be-determined parcel on the city’s east side, is estimated to cost about $110 million less than the downtown option, according to county documents.
Under the plans, courts, a new jail, the district attorney’s office, and other vital court operations would relocate to the new campus-style facility in 2026. Other county offices would relocate during phased construction over the next two decades.
“Because there is [cost] range for this project, as we do further design, that number will become more solid; the resolution is written to the high-end of the range,” said Jennifer Jossie, finance director. “We’ve gotten through the concept, but we don’t have the schematic and construction documents, as of yet.”
Portage Co. Board Chairman Al Haga said he believes, the actual cost will be much lower.
“Once we start getting blueprints and drawing walls, and get it out to bid, I’m hoping we’re no where near that,” Haga said following the April 24 vote. “All we have is basic concepts; cubes and square footage. I’m going to hold their feet to the fire to make sure the costs are under control.”
If borrowing $180 million is approved, county taxes will increase by about $135 beginning in 2024 for a home valued at $178,600 —the median home value in Portage Co. as of 2022, according to county records.
If the financing is approved in May, Haga said it would bring a range of emotions for those who’ve been involved in county government for an extended period of time.
“I’ll be happy we’re going somewhere, finally, on something we’ve been going over for so long. But at the same time, I’m frustrated at how much it’s going to cost us versus how much we could’ve spent the last time this came up. We could’ve had this whole thing built for $100 million.”
When asked if the county had any potential parcels in mind, he replied, “We’re continuing to explore options.”
Haga said the next step will be a special County Board meeting on May 2, where the borrowing needs to carry a three-quarters supermajority, or 19 votes.
