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“One
of the biggest issues our County faces is dealing with inadequate space
and safety needs for our Jail and Courthouse. The issue has been
difficult not only for County and State of Iowa employees and the
public, but also in its impact on our budget. We’ve been getting by with
housing some of our prisoners in area jails… but a new facility is
imminent. Over the past several years, we have created a
community-driven study of space, location, costs, treatments and
alternatives including the creation of a Criminal Justice Coordinating
Committee. As a key member of the Committee, I have been leading the
effort to determine what our jail needs are. I believe I have a plan and
the experience to address this issue head on”
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Complete our Space and Location Analysis Study and bring a
comprehensive study for full review in front of the Criminal Justice
Coordinating Committee and the community.
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Get community buy-in as to how big a facility we should plan, what
should be included in the facility (including operational expenses)
and where that facility should be located.
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Work with law enforcement, judges, and local government officials to
find additional ways to reduce arrest rates within our community and
continue efforts to expand our award winning jail treatment and
alternative programs.
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Have a realistic discussion about costs. No
new justice center should be built until all taxing entities within
our county, including city and school government leaders, agree to a
tax moratorium on any new bonding or sales tax initiatives.
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