St. Croix County Public Records

What Are Public Records in St. Croix County?

Public records in St. Croix County are defined according to Wisconsin Public Records Law § 19.32(2) as "any material on which written, drawn, printed, spoken, visual, or electromagnetic information or electronically generated or stored data is recorded or preserved, regardless of physical form or characteristics, that has been created or is being kept by an authority." This comprehensive definition encompasses a wide variety of documents maintained by county offices and departments.

St. Croix County maintains the following types of public records:

• Court Records: Civil, criminal, traffic, family, and probate case files maintained by the St. Croix County Circuit Court
• Property Records: Deeds, mortgages, liens, easements, and property transfers recorded by the Register of Deeds office
• Vital Records: Birth, death, marriage, and divorce certificates (with access restrictions)
• Business Records: Business licenses, permits, and fictitious business name registrations
• Tax Records: Property tax information, assessment records, and tax payment histories
• Voting and Election Records: Voter registration data, election results, and campaign finance reports
• Meeting Minutes and Agendas: Records of County Board meetings, committee proceedings, and public hearings
• Budget and Financial Documents: County budgets, expenditure reports, and financial statements
• Law Enforcement Records: Sheriff's reports, jail records, and incident reports (with statutory exemptions)
• Land Use and Zoning Records: Building permits, zoning applications, and land use plans

The St. Croix County Clerk's Office serves as the primary custodian for many county records, while specialized records are maintained by their respective departments. Real estate records are maintained by the Register of Deeds, court records by the Clerk of Courts, and health records by the St. Croix County Health Department.

Is St. Croix County an Open Records County?

St. Croix County fully complies with the Wisconsin Public Records Law § 19.31-19.39, which establishes a presumption of complete public access to government records. The statute explicitly declares that providing citizens with information about government affairs is "an essential function of a representative government and an integral part of the routine duties of officers and employees."

Under § 19.35(1)(a) of the Wisconsin Public Records Law, "any requester has a right to inspect any record." This provision establishes the fundamental right of access that guides St. Croix County's records management practices. The county adheres to the state's declaration that "all persons are entitled to the greatest possible information regarding the affairs of government."

St. Croix County has implemented specific policies to facilitate public access to records in accordance with state law. The county maintains a dedicated records request process through each department that serves as records custodian for their respective documents. County officials are trained to respond to records requests promptly, typically within 10 business days as recommended by state guidelines, though complex requests may require additional time.

The county's commitment to transparency is further demonstrated through its online records portal, which provides direct access to many frequently requested documents without requiring a formal records request.

How to Find Public Records in St. Croix County in 2026

Members of the public seeking records from St. Croix County may utilize several methods to access information. The county currently provides multiple pathways for records access:

1. Online Access: Many records are available through the county's official website. Requesters may access:

   • Court records through the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access portal
   • Property records via the county's online real estate records system
   • Meeting minutes and agendas through the county board section of the website
   • Budget documents in the finance department's online repository

2. In-Person Requests: Individuals may visit the appropriate county office during regular business hours:

   • For general county records: County Clerk's Office
   • For court records: Clerk of Circuit Court
   • For property records: Register of Deeds
   • For vital records: Register of Deeds (birth, death, marriage certificates)

3. Written Requests: Submit a written request to the specific department that maintains the desired records. Requests should include:

   • Requester's name and contact information
   • Clear description of the records sought
   • Preferred format for receiving records (paper copies, electronic files, inspection only)

4. Records Request Form: The county provides a standardized public records request form available at all county offices and on the county website. While not required by law, using this form helps ensure all necessary information is provided.

For driver records and vehicle information, requesters must contact the Wisconsin Department of Transportation rather than county offices, as these records are maintained at the state level.

How Much Does It Cost to Get Public Records in St. Croix County?

St. Croix County assesses fees for public records in accordance with Wisconsin Statute § 19.35(3), which permits charging "the actual, necessary and direct cost" of reproduction and transcription of records. The current fee structure includes:

• Photocopies: $0.25 per page for standard black and white copies
• Color Copies: $0.50 per page
• Large Format Documents (maps, plans): $5.00 per sheet
• Electronic Records: $0.10 per page for scanning paper records to electronic format
• Storage Media: Actual cost of USB drives or other media if records cannot be emailed
• Staff Time: Fees for location, redaction, and preparation may be charged when costs exceed $50.00, at the hourly wage of the lowest-paid employee capable of performing the task
• Mailing/Shipping: Actual cost of postage or delivery services

Specialized records have statutorily established fees:

• Birth Certificates: $20.00 for the first copy, $3.00 for additional copies
• Death Certificates: $20.00 for the first copy, $3.00 for additional copies
• Marriage Certificates: $20.00 for the first copy, $3.00 for additional copies
• Real Estate Recording: $30.00 for first page, $2.00 for each additional page

Payment methods accepted include cash, check, money order, and credit/debit cards (in-person only, with a processing fee). Prepayment may be required if total costs are expected to exceed $5.00.

Under Wisconsin law, fees may be reduced or waived when doing so is in the public interest. Requesters may include a fee waiver request with their records application, explaining the public benefit of the requested information.

Does St. Croix County Have Free Public Records?

St. Croix County provides free access to certain public records in compliance with Wisconsin Public Records Law. The following records are available without charge:

• In-Person Inspection: Wisconsin Statute § 19.35(1) guarantees the right to inspect any public record during normal business hours at no cost. Requesters may examine records and take notes without incurring fees, provided the inspection does not disrupt government operations.

• Online Records: The county provides free access to numerous records through its website, including:

  • County Board meeting agendas and minutes
  • County ordinances and codes
  • Budget summaries and financial reports
  • Property assessment information (basic details)
  • Election results and voter information
  • Public notices and announcements

• Court Records: Basic case information is available at no charge through the Wisconsin Circuit Court Access website, though fees apply for certified copies or complete case files.

• GIS Data: The county's Geographic Information System (GIS) provides basic property mapping information online without charge.

While inspection is free, reproduction costs apply when copies are requested. Additionally, certain specialized searches requiring significant staff time may incur location fees even if the requester only wishes to inspect records. The county is required by law to provide the least expensive means of providing records that meet the requester's needs.

Who Can Request Public Records in St. Croix County?

Under Wisconsin Statute § 19.35(1)(a), "any requester has a right to inspect any record." This broad eligibility extends to all individuals regardless of citizenship or residency status. St. Croix County adheres to the following guidelines regarding records requesters:

• No Residency Requirement: Wisconsin law does not restrict access to public records based on residency. Non-Wisconsin residents have the same rights to access county records as state residents.

• Identification Requirements: For most general records, requesters are not required to provide identification or state the purpose of their request. However, certain records may require verification of identity:

  • Vital records (birth, death certificates) require proof of identity and, in some cases, proof of direct relationship
  • Medical records require proper authorization
  • Confidential court records may require proof of legal standing

• Anonymous Requests: Anonymous requests are permitted for general public records, though providing contact information is necessary if copies are to be mailed or if the request requires time to fulfill.

• Requesting Personal Records: Individuals seeking their own records generally have broader access rights than those requesting records about others. For example, a person may access their own health department records that would be confidential to third parties.

• Authorized Representatives: Attorneys, legal guardians, and those with power of attorney may request records on behalf of the individuals they represent with proper documentation.

Wisconsin law specifically states that a records custodian may not deny a request because the requester is unwilling to be identified or to state the purpose of the request. However, this protection does not extend to records with statutory access restrictions.

What Records Are Confidential in St. Croix County?

While Wisconsin's Public Records Law presumes that government records are open to public inspection, Wisconsin Statute § 19.36 establishes specific categories of records that are exempt from disclosure. St. Croix County maintains the following types of confidential records:

• Juvenile Records: Court records involving minors under 17 years of age are confidential under Wisconsin Statute § 938.396, with limited exceptions for victims and certain agencies.

• Health and Medical Records: Individual medical information is protected under both state law and the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).

• Social Services Records: Child protective services investigations, foster care records, and public assistance information are confidential under various state statutes.

• Personnel Records: Certain employee information is protected, including social security numbers, home addresses, and performance evaluations. However, basic employment information such as position, salary, and dates of employment remains public.

• Law Enforcement Records: Active investigation records, confidential informant information, and certain victim information are exempt from disclosure under Wisconsin Statute § 19.36(2).

• Attorney-Client Communications: Legal advice and strategy documents between county officials and county attorneys are privileged.

• Competitive Business Information: Trade secrets or proprietary information submitted to the county by businesses may be protected from disclosure.

• Computer Programs and Data: Software developed by the county is not subject to disclosure, though the data contained within may be accessible.

• Preliminary Drafts and Notes: Records prepared for personal use or in draft form prior to final decision-making may be exempt.

• Sealed Court Records: Records sealed by court order are not accessible through public records requests.

When a record contains both confidential and public information, the county will redact the confidential portions and release the remainder. Wisconsin law requires application of the "balancing test," weighing the public interest in disclosure against the public interest in nondisclosure for records not specifically exempted by statute.

St. Croix County Recorder's Office: Contact Information and Hours

St. Croix County Register of Deeds
1101 Carmichael Road
Hudson, WI 54016
Phone: (715) 386-4652
St. Croix County Register of Deeds

Hours of Operation:
Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Closed on weekends and county-observed holidays

Services Provided:

• Recording of real estate documents
• Issuance of birth, death, and marriage certificates
• Maintenance of property records
• Processing of real estate transfer returns
• Military discharge recording

St. Croix County Clerk of Circuit Court
1101 Carmichael Road
Hudson, WI 54016
Phone: (715) 386-4630
St. Croix County Clerk of Circuit Court

Hours of Operation:
Monday - Friday: 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Closed on weekends and court holidays

St. Croix County Clerk
1101 Carmichael Road
Hudson, WI 54016
Phone: (715) 386-4607
St. Croix County Clerk

Hours of Operation:
Monday - Friday: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Closed on weekends and county-observed holidays

Lookup Public Records in St. Croix County

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St. Croix County Health Department records