Washburn County Board to Discuss Potential Land Purchase
22 Jan 2026
Washburn County has been evaluating long-term options to address jail capacity challenges and Department of Corrections (DOC) requirements. Over the past several years, county officials have explored multiple locations in and around the Shell Lake area for a new jail, though no final site has been selected.
To ensure the County is prepared for the future, the County Board will discuss the potential purchase of land in Spooner at an upcoming meeting. Officials emphasize that this discussion does not mean a decision has been made to build a jail. The purchase would provide an option for county master planning and any use of the land would be carefully evaluated before decisions are made. This property acquisition would not have an impact on the mill rate for taxpayers. If plans change, the property could be sold at a later date. The agenda item is intended to keep the community informed and to start an open dialogue. Community members are encouraged to attend the February Board meeting to learn more and provide input.