County board members invited the city Wednesday to participate in an upcoming study of the county courthouse and jail.

Thursday, July 12, 2001

County board members invited the city Wednesday to participate in an upcoming study of the county courthouse and jail.

Board of Commissioners Chair Dave Mullenbach told city leaders and council members the input of city officials, including the police department and city attorney’s office, would be valuable for the study.

&uot;It’s going to be comprehensive, from the initial arrest all the way through the courts and into probation,&uot; Mullenbach said. &uot;There’s probably some people from the city who might want to contribute.&uot;

The study, which involves a team of consultants from the National Institute of Corrections in Belmont, Colo., will take several days and could begin as early as this summer, said Interim County Administrator Darryl Meyer. Commissioners hope to learn whether a new jail is necessary, and how to plan for a new, more efficient courthouse.

Mullenbach said the board is leaning toward building an off-site judicial complex with new courtrooms, offices, and a larger jail, if one is found to be necessary. Architects estimate the cost of the complex at about $13 million.

City Manager Paul Sparks said he wasn’t opposed to letting city officials give input. He suggested contacting Mower County about the feasibility of a shared facility.

Commissioner Dan Belshan agreed that the county may be to small in population to feasibly maintain its own jail.

&uot;Does it make sense to have a new jail in Steele County, Freeborn County and Mower County? That’s the question we need to study,&uot; Belshan said. &uot;We’ve got Steele County building right now, and Freeborn and Mower studying.&uot;

Belshan suggested a larger investment in low-security options such as home monitoring, and video arraignments to hold down costs.

&uot;The technology is out there right now. It’s getting better all the time. That might give us some options,&uot; he said.