DODGEVILLE, Wis. -- Residents in Iowa County are fighting a planned human services building for Dodgeville, which would cost taxpayers $6.1 million.

Ground was scheduled to be broken Thursday on a building that's been debated for six years, but residents are saying that, given the tough economic times, it should wait even longer.

A fenced-in field that used to house a middle school is the site of big plans that some neighbors are not happy about.

"At this present time, I do not think they should build it because the economy, I believe, is basically bankrupt," said Dodgeville resident John Hlavac.

The Iowa County Board voted last month to go ahead with the 30,000 square foot human services building to add space and replace aging buildings.

The chairman of the building committee said the construction project is overdue.

"If you're in our social services building, if you've ever been in that building you'd know why (it's needed)," said Eric Anderson, a county board member and chairman of the building committee. "We have (employees) in the basement, offices in the basement of that building, where I believe we have five sump pumps running to keep water out of the basement."

But some residents are taking advantage of a delay in bonding paperwork to try and put the brakes on the project, even though they might understand the need.

"I can see the purpose for having a building and putting it all together, but I still don't know what to do or what to think," said resident Janell Narveson. "I'm concerned about my property values. I'm concerned about it being not used as often as maybe we hoped it would be."

"I don't think it's a good idea because besides the building then they'll have to hire more people, which I know helps the economy, but we'll still be paying and our taxes are going to go up," said resident Lynn Hughes.

Board members are weighing options, and residents are waiting for answers.

"It's a project that I think we need to continue and go forward with, but we'll see," said Anderson.

"We all have to live within our means, and if we can't afford to build a house we don't build it," said Hlavac.

One of the things making residents most upset is the tax hike that will be connected to the building. Starting in 2011, taxes would up $40 for every $100,000 of home value.

But board members haven't decided what's happening with the project right now. They're currently waiting to be advised by their legal counsel on the next step.

If they go ahead with the project they'll have to call a special meeting to issue bonds. If they don't, they could face legal or financial penalties for breaking a contract with companies involved.