Satellite Jail In Gillett

From the Peshtigo Times.

12/23/08

"Oconto Co. Board Okays Jail Survey; Debates Raises
After a lengthy discussion at their Thursday, Dec. 18 meeting, the Oconto County Board of Supervisors voted 26-4 in favor of a contract with Kimme & Associates Inc. of Champaign, IL. for a feasibility study consisting of a preliminary description of jail, juvenile, and sheriff’s needs, options and costs, including an assessment of bed rental opportunities and alternatives per the K&A proposal dated July 25, 2008. The cost is $46,690. Only Bill Popp, Gerald Gehling, Eugene Winter and Rose Stellmacher voted in opposition.

Administrative Coordinator Kevin Hamann said a request for proposal was solicited earlier this year, to look at the jail population, juvenile population, and whether the jail can be updated, expanded, or remodeled. Three proposals were received, and Kimme and Associates was the preferred firm. Asked why the low bid was not picked, Hamann said Kimme gave the best presentation. Gerald Beekman, Chairman of the Law Enforcement Committee agreed, saying, “Kimme impressed me the most. They will also do public relations outreach.”

Gehling, a former Oconto County Sheriff, said, “The system is going backward. It is impossible to build in these economic conditions. I don’t agree with going out of town. As for juveniles, I have personal experience - forget it! A waste of money.”

Sheriff Mike Jansen responded, “We’re not asking for bricks and mortar. It costs $250,000 a year to farm out our prisoners. Twenty-one are out now at $40 per day. I can keep on doing that. Is it feasible to build a new facility or continue farming out? Sooner or later we won’t be able to farm out. We ended up putting six in Shawano recently. Forest County was full.”"

Wisconsin Community Newspaper

My problem so far is why spend $46,690 to do a study. Put the money towards more jail space or another officer. Again, why do a study?

Here is something interesting.

Popp urged , “Build a jail near Gillett - centralized. Use electronics. Lots of places don’t have jails right by the courthouse. You can transport.”

“Yes, it can be done by videoconferencing, but various kinds of hearings cannot be held via videoconferencing,” Sheriff Jansen said. Claire Trepanier suggested that a courtroom can be in a new jail.

More jobs in Gillett.

Wonder what people in Gillett think? If it saves tax payers money and helps the jail overcrowding, it could be an option.