SHAWANO COUNTY, WI – Discussions continue in Shawano County over whether to renovate the existing Justice Center or move forward with construction of a new facility, as officials weigh security concerns, future court needs, and overall project costs.
Kurt Berner of The Samuels Group outlined several issues within the current complex, pointing to significant safety limitations. “We’ve got no secure connection between the courts and jail housing, and we also have no security measures in regards to the interdepartment center here,” Berner said. He also noted the potential addition of a third judgeship and upcoming legislative changes could further strain the current layout, adding that another judgeship could help alleviate growing caseloads within the court system.
County Board Chairman Tom Kautza addressed the financial scope of the potential project, explaining the difference between the two primary cost estimates under consideration. “The 88 and a half would be just to build, to start the new courthouse, the justice center and tie everything together, no new jail,” Kautza said. “If we go to the 121 million, that would also provide the new jail pod. And then that would, along with that, bring the efficiencies in.”
The lower-cost option, estimated at $88.5 million, would focus on constructing a new courthouse and justice center while connecting existing facilities. The $121 million option would include a new jail pod, increasing capacity and improving operational efficiency.
County supervisors are expected to continue reviewing the proposals before making a final decision on how to proceed with what would be one of the largest infrastructure investments in Shawano County’s history.
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