FAQ
What People Want to Know
General
What will be done with the existing facilities?
If new facilities are built, the existing buildings will either be repurposed, sold, or demolished. That direction will be determined as plans are finalized.​​
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Why do the courthouse and jail need to be connected?
Connecting the courthouse and jail improves safety and efficiency.
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Safety: When inmates must be transported on public roads and through public areas, it increases risk. A connected facility allows secure, private movement that protects the public, staff, victims, and law enforcement.
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Efficiency: Direct access keeps court proceedings on schedule and reduces delays caused by transportation logistics.
Courthouse
Why can’t we renovate the courthouse?
The 68-year-old courthouse is facing major infrastructure and space challenges that make renovation costly and impractical long term. Many of the building’s mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) systems are failing. While they could technically be replaced, doing so would require a full interior demolition (or “regut”) of the building. That level of reconstruction would be extremely expensive and because services and operations must continue during construction, temporary space would be needed for county departments, which would be a big effort and costly as well. This would not be the best use of taxpayer dollars specially when it still would not solve the building’s space limitations.
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Additionally, The County currently operates with two jury courtrooms and two judges, but a third judge may be added in 2028. The existing facility does not have enough square footage to accommodate an additional courtroom and supporting spaces. The building was not designed for today’s caseload and staffing needs. Learn more about Third Judgeship.
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What will be in the new courthouse?
The new courthouse is designed to meet current and future needs. It will include:
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A properly sized court suite
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A dedicated jury room
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An updated Clerk of Courts office
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District Attorney
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Register in Probate
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Corporation Counsel
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Space for key county departments, including:
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Administration
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County Clerk
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Treasurer
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Register of Deeds
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Human Resources
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Finance
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Public Health
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UW Extension
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Planning and Zoning
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Land Conservation
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Information Systems
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Coroner
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County Board
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Maintenance
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Bringing these services together in a modern facility improves efficiency, accessibility, and service to the public.​
Jail & Sheriff's Office
Why couldn’t the sally port, booking, and inmate intake areas just be renovated?
This option was carefully considered and determined not viable because daily operations must continue during construction, there is not enough square footage, and the cost and effort associated with the temporary space needed for housing staff and inmates during construction is high. When all these factors are considered, renovating the existing intake area would be more expensive and disruptive than building an addition.
Will the new facility allow for inmates from other counties as a new source of revenue?
If the Phase 1 alternate that adds a 150-bed housing unit is approved, it would bring on-site bed capacity to 258 beds. This additional space would allow for proper inmate classification and could create an opportunity to house inmates from other counties. When space is available, this could generate additional revenue for the County. That said, the facility has been carefully sized to meet our county’s needs first. Housing inmates from other counties would only occur if beds were available and would not take space away from local inmates or strain county resources.
Why should we build better housing for inmates?
This isn't about building better housing for inmates. This is about providing a safer work environment for our staff, protection for the public, and liability protection for Shawano County. Additionally, the County is responsible for the health and safety of jail inmates and must provide a safe and humane environment, but it doesn't mean the jail should be overly comfortable. Inmate accommodations will be simple and meet state codes.
Who spends the most time in jail?
It's the staff who manage the inmate population: 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.
Library
Why is a new library being considered?
The current library building is dated and was designed for a different era of library services. It is experiencing ongoing water leaks, aging building systems, structural concerns, accessibility limitations, and space shortages. These issues make it difficult to safely and efficiently serve the community’s needs today and into the future.
Can’t the existing building be repaired instead of building a new facility?
While some repairs are possible, many of the building’s major systems such as the roof, elevator, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing are beyond their service life. Fixing them individually would be costly and would not solve the larger issues of outdated layout, accessibility limitations, and lack of space. At some point, continued repairs become less cost-effective than replacement.