Upgrades and renovations to the current Chickasaw County Jail in New Hampton are not a long term solutions for the County.
While addressing the Board of Supervisors Monday, Sheriff Marty Hemann referenced a 1955 newspaper article which illustrates that the 65-year-old jail has outgrown and outlived its practical use.
Because of its age, Greg Wilde with the Samuels Group, which is conducting the jail feasibility study, told Supervisors that bringing the current jail up to code is not an option.
Wilde says their study is about 80% complete and will return in December to present the Board final costs and options, which could include a joint law enforcement center (LEC) with the New Hampton Police Department.
State Jail Inspector Delbert Longley also addressed the Board and said while the jail has been an issue for a while, he won’t “red flag†the County if they show movement towards a solution.
Supervisor Jacob Hackman said it’s time to address the jail’s future.
Building a new LEC would likely mean a bond referendum, which Wilde says the Samuels Group will help the County pass. He says they have a 100% success rate getting bond referendums passed the first time, which includes the new Floyd County Jail and renovations to the courthouse.
