July 23, 2014 at 2:10 p.m.
Jail meeting draws small turnout (10/09/2008)
By By STEVE GARBACZ-
Only five people showed up Wednesday night for one of the last opportunities to learn about the Jay County Jail expansion project.
After a large turnout for Saturday's jail tours, attendance was minimal for the informational meeting, which had financial adviser Greg Guerrettaz and architects from SchenkelShultz Architecture on hand to field questions about the planned project.
The big number of the evening was $54, which Guerrettaz said will be the increase in property taxes per year for a $100,000 home. The debt service on the $10.25 million bond is planned for 20 years if the referendum passes.
Guerrettaz and Sheriff Ray Newton contrasted the $54 per year to the $35 per day it costs to house a prisoner out of county. With the overcrowding situation in the jail, Newton is forced to send more prisoners outside of Jay, which is costing the county heavily. The expansion, which would double the capacity of the jail, is projected to alleviate space problems for at least the next 25 years.
"It's a much more efficient layout; it's much more secure," said architect Jeff Badders. "We're modernizing."
Commissioner Faron Parr said, in planning, county officials are looking to build the new facility that could conceivable last for 50 years.
"We're not asking for anything fancy," Netwon said. "We're just asking for more room."
"How much spare space do you have over there, Ray?" asked Parr. The response he received was just laughter from the sheriff and the other county officials on hand.
Badders also spoke briefly about the alternatives, explaining that just trying to improve the current facility could cost $2 or $3 million to fix mechanical issues without solving any of the crowding concerns.
"Then you've still settled with the same problems of the existing jail and you really haven't gained anything," he said.
The county will also save more than $1 million by expanding the facility as opposed to building a new structure at different site.
The jail committee wrapped up their last planned informational meeting echoing the point that it's an issue that will have to be dealt with now or a few years from now, probably at a higher price.
"The jail situation, it's not going to go away," said commissioner Milo Miller Jr. "Go over (to the jail) and look at it."
Voters still have opportunities to get informed. Newton is hosting one more open house at the jail Saturday, offering 45-minute tours that will show off several of the problems with the security center including cramping in administration, storage and cell blocks.
The open house will take place from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday at the jail. Tour-goers must be 18 years of age or accompanied by an adult. No bags or purses are allowed within the jail. Netwon said he will keep the doors open as long as he can for anyone interested.
The sheriff also said he is willing to talk with residents who have questions or want more information at any time. Newton can be contacted at the jail during the day at 726-8188.
The referendum is located on the back end of the ballots. Jay County Clerk Jane Ann Runyon is reminding people to be careful not to miss the jail question if they are casting a straight-party ticket. The referendum question and other yes/no questions will need to be answered manually.[[In-content Ad]]
After a large turnout for Saturday's jail tours, attendance was minimal for the informational meeting, which had financial adviser Greg Guerrettaz and architects from SchenkelShultz Architecture on hand to field questions about the planned project.
The big number of the evening was $54, which Guerrettaz said will be the increase in property taxes per year for a $100,000 home. The debt service on the $10.25 million bond is planned for 20 years if the referendum passes.
Guerrettaz and Sheriff Ray Newton contrasted the $54 per year to the $35 per day it costs to house a prisoner out of county. With the overcrowding situation in the jail, Newton is forced to send more prisoners outside of Jay, which is costing the county heavily. The expansion, which would double the capacity of the jail, is projected to alleviate space problems for at least the next 25 years.
"It's a much more efficient layout; it's much more secure," said architect Jeff Badders. "We're modernizing."
Commissioner Faron Parr said, in planning, county officials are looking to build the new facility that could conceivable last for 50 years.
"We're not asking for anything fancy," Netwon said. "We're just asking for more room."
"How much spare space do you have over there, Ray?" asked Parr. The response he received was just laughter from the sheriff and the other county officials on hand.
Badders also spoke briefly about the alternatives, explaining that just trying to improve the current facility could cost $2 or $3 million to fix mechanical issues without solving any of the crowding concerns.
"Then you've still settled with the same problems of the existing jail and you really haven't gained anything," he said.
The county will also save more than $1 million by expanding the facility as opposed to building a new structure at different site.
The jail committee wrapped up their last planned informational meeting echoing the point that it's an issue that will have to be dealt with now or a few years from now, probably at a higher price.
"The jail situation, it's not going to go away," said commissioner Milo Miller Jr. "Go over (to the jail) and look at it."
Voters still have opportunities to get informed. Newton is hosting one more open house at the jail Saturday, offering 45-minute tours that will show off several of the problems with the security center including cramping in administration, storage and cell blocks.
The open house will take place from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday at the jail. Tour-goers must be 18 years of age or accompanied by an adult. No bags or purses are allowed within the jail. Netwon said he will keep the doors open as long as he can for anyone interested.
The sheriff also said he is willing to talk with residents who have questions or want more information at any time. Newton can be contacted at the jail during the day at 726-8188.
The referendum is located on the back end of the ballots. Jay County Clerk Jane Ann Runyon is reminding people to be careful not to miss the jail question if they are casting a straight-party ticket. The referendum question and other yes/no questions will need to be answered manually.[[In-content Ad]]
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