May 13, 2026 7p
(WGTD)---In his second ‘state of the county’ address, Racine County Executive Ralph Malicki didn’t waste any time in talking about county government's financial condition, describing it as “fiscally sound.”
In doing so, Malicki took a swipe at the county’s Republican legislative delegation that last fall was highly critical of his budget proposal. Three of the four legislators aren’t running for re-election this fall.
In his speech, Malicki noted that the county ended last year with a $1.7 million general fund surplus. "I also wanted to address something directly. There's been judgment of our spending," Malicki said. "Scrutiny of how public dollars are spent is appropriate--that's how government should work. But when you look at the full picture, this is a fiscally sound county finally addressing problems that have been deferred for too long."
Malicki cited several examples, including a nearly obsolete two-way radio system and a public safety building that's beyond rehab.
In his speech before the county board, Malicki highlighted some other initiatives, including working with the county’s 17 governmental entities to develop a purchasing pool to lower costs. A housing work group is expected to present a plan later this year on how to boost the construction of starter homes. He also noted that the county is taking a lead role in guiding a collaborative that’s dedicated to reducing homelessness.
Malicki handed out ‘Community Impact’ awards to Racine Zoo director Beth Heidorn, Burlington Micropub owner Bernard Petersen and former Racine Police Chief Art Howell. Retiring Racine County Sheriff Christopher Schmaling received the county’s first “Lifetime Achievement Award.”
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