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Jail price tag unknown

Commission will review estimates Dec. 29

Staff reporter

A final plan was reviewed Monday by Marion County Commission for a new judicial center but reality may require some adjustments.

The commission had contemplated a new jail facility because of compliance issues with the current outdated jail. When the board learned of new security standards coming down the pike for district court, it made sense to add the court system in the plans.

And now, with the plans on the table for a 63,000 square foot facility, the price tag may be more than the county can pay.

The first floor plan of 53,000 square feet had a price estimate of $11 million. The commission is concerned about the price tag with the expanded facility.

A price estimate will be presented to the commission and discussed at the Dec. 29 meeting.

Bond consultant David Artebury of George K. Baum had informed the commission at a February meeting that bonds could be issued to cover costs for construction that could run between $8.6 and $11 million. Revenue from the jail and other sources could be used to pay the bonds.

A special retail sales tax also was considered by the commission which would need to be placed on the ballot in the April 2007 election with the bond issue.

Approximately $800,000 per year for 20 years would be needed for bond payments on a $10 million project which could be generated through a special sales tax and/or revenue from housing out-of-county inmates.

About the project

Dan Hall of BG Consultants, Inc. of Manhattan presented an updated floor plan that included a jail and sheriff's department, communications offices (dispatch), and offices for the county attorney, district court personnel, community corrections, judge, and two courtrooms.

Housing the court system with the jail would save time and money in transporting inmates to and from court. It also would alleviate space and security issues currently being experienced in the local court system.

The facility would be on two levels with public accessibility only on the main level where courtrooms, attorney's office, and sheriff's department would be located.

The jail would be on two levels with a master control monitor overseeing all cells and areas. Cameras and monitors would allow the controller to see every corridor and open area in the building.

Special emergency exits also would be available in the court area for personnel in case of out-of-control clients in addition for fire safety code requirements.

Commission chairman Dan Holub asked if police departments also could use the evidence rooms for storage of their evidence. Marion County Sheriff Lee Becker said it would not be feasible.

Holub asked if the Marion Police Department had made contact with Becker regarding being located in the sheriff's department. Becker said he was contacted but wasn't authorized to answer.

The question on the ballot would ask residents to approve a bond issue up to a specific dollar amount.

A public meeting will be held at 7 p.m. Jan. 8 for public comment. Maggard said she would need six to eight weeks to prepare for the election.

Becker suggested gathering price estimates to make improvements to the courtroom and compare with cost of new facility.

What happens if this doesn't fly?

If county residents vote down a special sales tax/bond issue for a new judicial center, what's next?

Eventually the county jail will not be allowed to operate because of numerous issues related to the safety of inmates and personnel. If that were to occur, the county could spend $2-$3 million to make improvements to the 50-year-old building but the structure would remain that of an aging building.

If no improvements are made, all prisoners would be sent to another facility. If that were to occur, sheriff's department personnel would be transporting prisoners back and forth for court dates.

In addition to the jail dilemma, there also would be issues regarding security of the courtroom and district court offices.

In the near future, district court areas will be required to meet specific standards for the safety of personnel and those attending court. No cost estimate is known for those changes if they even can be made in the courthouse.

If adequate improvements cannot be made, the construction of a separate judicial building may be considered or, again, court would be held in another county, forcing more inconvenience for county residents and personnel.

An ever-looming space problem continues to exist at the courthouse with departments needing more room for storage and office space.

If the sheriff's department, jail, and court system is moved to a judicial center, the jail building and third floor of the courthouse could be utilized by other offices.

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