Our jail is broken and does not meet mandatory state standards. Inmates cannot be separated to provide for safety and health concerns. Inmates move through the same halls as do our staff, citizens, and children creating safety hazards. The Administrative Order from the State Supreme Court regarding courthouse safety cannot be cost effectively met.
Parking is extremely inadequate to meet current needs.
Yes, but staff in the Sheriff's offices needs to increase regardless of a new jail. The new jail is designed to promote staff efficiency so inmates can easily be supervised and controlled. The same level of supervision could not be achieved in the current jail. Our focus is on meeting the needs of Barron County today and for the future. While we have monitored what is going on in other jurisdictions, our focus in on our needs today and for the next 25 to 30 years.