Notice of Special Question Election.docx" at: https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:US:c02a50d3-dda5-4556-af7f-6c6e1e98fa6e
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
When will the jail be built?
If the sales tax passes, construction would begin in approximately March 2024 with completion in August 2025.
Where will the jail be built?
The new jail will be built on six acres of land owned by the County on 11th Terrace just north of Hwy 36 in Marysville. This site would allow for future expansion should the need arise.
When did the planning process for the new jail begin?
County commissioners began working on a plan in 2017 to remodel and add on to the existing jail. An architect and construction manager at-risk were hired. Plans for that project were put on hold. In December 2020, the county purchased the six acres of land on 11th Terrace in Marysville. In 2021, county officials began working with Treanor Architects to design a one-level law enforcement center. AHRS, a construction manager at-risk based in Bern, was hired in October 2021.
What will be included in the new jail?
The new jail is expected to consist of housing for approximately 30 inmates on a single level totaling approximately 21,300 SF. The new jail will include areas to accommodate different inmate classifications, including violent and non-violent, gender, special needs, mental illness, etc. Other areas include a lobby/entry area, jail administration and law enforcement offices, dispatch, county attorney’s office, kitchen, laundry, medical area, nurse’s office, storage, classroom space, video arraignment area, exercise area, and storage space. There will also be a secured garage for unloading/loading inmates. This proposed jail design will allow us to meet the needs of the inmates, Sheriff’s Department staff, and County for the next 40 years and beyond.
What will happen to the current jail?
The County is still exploring multiple options for the facility.
What is the total cost for a new jail?
The total bond proposal is for up to $9 million. The estimated total cost for a new jail facility is $13.5 million. The County has approximately $5 million in available funds that could be used for the new jail. If passed, a final decision on the total bonds needed to be issued will be made based on current available County funds, while still allowing the County to maintain a reserve of funds for unforeseen non-jail related issues.
What will the sales tax be used for and when will it end?
The proposed sales tax could only be used to pay off the jail bonds. It cannot be used for jail operations. By law, the sales tax will end once sufficient revenues are collected to pay for the bonds issued to finance jail construction. It will sunset in 10 years, or less if the bonds are paid off sooner. It could only be extended by another ballot question proposed to the citizens of Marshall County.
When will the sales tax go into effect?
The one-half percent increase in sales tax approved by voters would go into effect April 1, 2024.
When was the current jail built?
The current jail opened in 1979. Current deficiencies include:
· Not compliant with modern jail standards
· Lack of bulletproof glass in clerk & dispatch areas
· Inmates can hear what is being said in dispatch area due to proximity
· Inefficient facility, requiring open cells, reduced lines of sight and decreased safety
· Lack of private intake and medical areas
· Lack of meeting space for inmates & attorneys
· Insufficient technology infrastructure
· Insufficient isolation and individual cells
· Inadequate kitchen venting system
· Mold growth inhibiting use of certain areas