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RACINE COUNTYOFFICE OF THE RACINE COUNTY EXECUTIVEJAMES A. LADWIG730 Wisconsin AvenueRacine, WI 53403Five-Year Capital PlanMessage 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 meanthat 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 ourimpending capital needs in the areas of building and maintenance, machinery and equipment.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 Planis 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 ofexpenditures covered in the Plan and some of the reasons why they are included: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 needsof 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.Racine County citizens expect to travel safely on well-designed highways that are maintained by a highway department with well-maintained and reliableequipment.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 thetechnical equipment and working environments 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 Headsduring the budget process. Also, as time goes on, needs change, prices change, and unforeseen capital requirements may surface. In coming years, newprojects may be proposed that are not presently included in this Plan. Unquestionably, the state budget, the changing economy and county budget restraints willimpact 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.James A. LadwigRacine County Executive