Staff writer
A committee will be created by Marion County Commission to investigate possible plans for a new law enforcement center. Sheriff Rob Craft requested creation of the committee Monday at commission meeting.
Craft asked for a committee of approximately 12 people, including law enforcement, county officials, business, and private individuals to consider and propose a plan. A law enforcement center would include a jail, and possible space for dispatch and the sheriff’s department.
Commissioners decided Nov. 2010 would be the earliest a proposal could be on a ballot without a special election.
Size and financing of a new facility would be the most important considerations, Craft said. Other concerns would include location and how long it would be used.
Commission Chairman Dan Holub said he would like any committee to move forward under the assumption a new facility is needed. He said any decision about the need for a new jail could be made by the public at-large.
People familiar with the situation agree a new facility is needed, Craft said.
A proposal for a jail was defeated Nov. 4, 2008, on a countywide ballot.
The inmate population at the current jail was 10 Monday. The recent average has been about 13 inmates, Craft said.
County Commissioners Randy Dallke, Bob Hein, and Holub said they would like to be on the proposed committee.
Craft said he wants volunteers by the end of March. The committee could begin meeting in early May.
It would require a time commitment from committee members, Craft said. Anyone interested in being part of the committee can contact Craft at 382-2144.