Walworth County officials have addressed several rumors regarding the housing of sexually violent persons (SVPs) within the county. The Committee on Housing Sexually Violent Persons (HSVP) resumed its meetings in September 2025 after last convening in 2022 to secure a placement for an SVP.
In 2023, Racine County asked the state legislature to consider changes to Chapter 980, which governs care and treatment of individuals committed as sexually violent persons, to allow for their placement outside their home counties. In June 2025, Racine County requested that Walworth County consider allowing temporary placement of a Racine SVP due to difficulties in finding suitable housing within Racine’s borders. This request was referred by the Walworth County Health and Human Services Board and Executive Committee to the HSVP committee for further discussion.
Previously, in 2021, the HSVP committee faced challenges in finding placements that met state law requirements due to limited housing options. The committee has now been tasked with exploring long-term solutions and making recommendations to the County Board.
One rumor suggested that Walworth County would build housing for violent sex offenders near the Sheriff’s Office shooting range on Hodges Road. Officials clarified: “Walworth County does not currently own this land and continues to evaluate all of its options for future placements of sexually violent persons as required by state law. Our goal is to ensure that any future housing proposals comply with state law, prioritize the safety of our residents, are fiscally responsible, and are done in coordination with the local municipality.”
During an October 16 meeting, HSVP committee members discussed possible locations for SVP housing. The GIS Land Information division presented maps showing county-owned properties where such housing might be allowed under state law. The Hodges Road parcel was mentioned as a possible option but was considered less than ideal due to its proximity to a church and private residences as well as environmental concerns. Staff also noted that property adjacent to the Sheriff’s Office could be considered but would require rezoning or subdividing because of setback laws related to nearby facilities.
Officials summarized: “Any potential housing option will require substantial investments in time, money, and effort to comply with state law. The County is doing its due diligence in exploring all viable solutions. No plans for housing have been finalized at this time.”
Another rumor indicated that a vote on SVP housing would occur at the November County Board meeting. Officials responded: “The HSVP Committee had an open discussion during its October 16, 2025, meeting regarding potential future locations for housing for sexually violent persons. No formal action was taken, and the committee did not forward any recommendations to the County Board for action. An item regarding a housing facility for sexually violent persons is not included in the November County Board agenda.”
Background information provided by county officials explains that Chapter 980 designates certain offenders as sexually violent persons if they are deemed likely to reoffend due to mental disorders. When courts authorize supervised release, counties must form temporary HSVP committees—composed of representatives from Health and Human Services, probation or parole officers, Corporation Counsel or designees, and land use divisions—to identify appropriate residential options.
Public feedback can be submitted directly to County Board Supervisors or during public comment periods at board meetings; details are available through county channels.
In other aspects of Walworth County life during the 2023-24 school year:
– Badger High School had the highest enrollment among local schools with 1,275 students; Elkhorn Area High School followed with 941 students; Elkhorn Area Middle School enrolled 676 students according to data from https://dpi.wi.gov/.
– Of Walworth’s total student population (14,552), white students made up just over 70%, Hispanic students represented about one quarter (24.5%), while multiracial students accounted for approximately 2.8% (https://dpi.wi.gov/).
The next meeting of the Committee on Housing Sexually Violent Persons is scheduled for December 3 at Government Center; agendas and livestream links will be posted online.
