MILWAUKEE, Wis. — A Milwaukee County supervisor wants voters to weigh in before the county commits to construction funding for its nearly $900 million courthouse renovation project.
Supervisor Justin Bielinski has introduced a resolution that would place a referendum on the November ballot. It would ask voters if they would require County Board approval for any additional financing for the project.
Bielinski argues a project of this size should go before voters.
“If we’re going to make the largest investment in county history… the people should have a chance to weigh in,” Bielinski told WTMJ.
The proposed referendum would not automatically approve contracts or borrowing. Any future spending, contracts, or financing would still require County Board approval.
The courthouse complex is nearly 100 years old, and county officials say the Safety Building has more than $75 million in deferred maintenance, along with security, code compliance and operational limitations.
Bielinski agrees the aging facility needs to be updated, but he says the cost is ballooning.
“I think even people that were sort of on board with this whole project, when they saw the price tag, I think it does give them pause… just knowing all the other needs we have,” Bielinski said.
County leaders have said they hope to reduce the burden on local taxpayers by offsetting more than $400 million through state funding and other financing tools.
The design phase of the project will continue through 2028, with construction expected to start the same year.
Bielinski’s proposal will go before the County Board’s Finance Committee on July 23.
