Wilson County finds success in jail facility
Smaller counties, including Marion County, are considering jail expansions for various reasons.
In Marion County, an aging jail facility is requiring county officials to look at options that include the construction of a new facility that could house county and out-of-county prisoners, communications, sheriff's department, and judicial (courtroom, judge, court services officers).
Wilson County was faced with a similar dilemma with a growing inmate population.
In 2000, a 73-bed facility was opened in Fredonia and currently houses approximately 40-45 county inmates and inmates from other counties.
"We currently have contracts with Johnson and Sedgwick counties," said Wilson County Administrator Chris Marple. Occasionally the facility houses inmates from neighboring counties.
The $4.8 million project is paid through a one-cent special sales tax. The county makes two bond payments per year and has been able to use strictly sales tax funds.
"Revenue from the leases (with other counties) covers operating expenses for the department," said Marple.
Bond payments are $50,000 per month and sales tax revenue has been $60-$80,000 per month, said Marple.
"We have more than enough funds to end the special sales tax in 2008 or 2009," he said. The bond will be paid off in 2011.
The facility is located on a 10-acre tract at Fredonia's industrial park near U.S.-400. The site was designed for a 102-bed facility.
In the beginning, a county task force was formed, said Marple, and a plan was formulated.
'This is the first and only project so far with a construction management company," Marple said. "Construction management was definitely the way to go."
The county does not plan to expand the physical size of the facility but the sheriff's department is considering adding more beds.
"We plan to add 12 bunks," said sheriff's office administrator Madelyn Hartnett, which will not require additional work to the building.
Hartnett added that this year will be the best yet for revenue.
"We're anticipating receiving $400,000 in out-of-county revenue this year," she said.
Wilson County is located in the southeastern part of the state. Neodesha is the largest city in the county with a population of 2,848. Fredonia has 2,600 residents. Slightly smaller than Marion County, the population of the county is 10,332. According to the 2000 census, Marion County had a population of 13,361.
Is there a demand from other counties for more inmate housing?
"From what we hear, we could fill more beds," said Marple. "Johnson County has said they are looking for more space."
It is less than a mile from the jail to the courthouse where hearings are held and the county recently purchased a new van.
"It's a real hindrance for the sheriff's department to have two employees transport prisoners on court days," said Marple.
The county currently is considering the installation of video equipment for first appearances.
Burns prepares
for PRIDE visit
Burns is among 20 Kansas communities preparing for a visit from a team of community development professionals between June 11-14.
Evaluators are expected to be in Burns June 14.
The Kansas PRIDE Program will visit the sites to evaluate recently completed community improvement projects.
The on-site evaluations verify local successes and make the PRIDE committee eligible for a Community of Excellence award, which includes a cash award that can be used for future improvements.
The PRIDE committee invites volunteers and residents with an interest in community and economic development to join them at 10 a.m. June 14 to welcome the evaluation team at Burns Community Center.
MCSEC to meet
Marion County Special Education Cooperative will meet at 7 p.m. June 15 in the Marion County Special Education Cooperative Conference Room at 302 W. Eighth, Florence.
