Waupaca County continues to work through the early stages of the planning process of its new highway facility. Earlier this month, the county went through all of the architect propels sent in by firms, which were then narrowed down to three final candidates.

Waupaca County Board Chairman Dick Koeppen says they hope to interview firms on Dec. 2 to determine the best fit for the county. Some concerns came from county residents questioning where the money comes from.

“Those are bondable issues,” Koeppen stated. “Building projects are paid off in 20 years, just like a home would be. Those would be bonded just like the courthouse was back in 1990, just like our county law enforcement building, those were bonded. This is how we handle those things.”

Koeppen explained that the county is in great shape financially, thanks to the designated fund balance they currently have.

“Right now, as we all know rates are quite low. For major projects it is a real opportune time to do these project. Hopefully we can get this study done, get our architect picked, and go and put out bonds for it, so we can go out and we can get this on the road.”

All 27 board supervisors still must approve any borrowing, but Koeppen thinks once they see the current condition of the 1936 building that is the current highway facility, they’ll agree something substantial needs to be done.