Fort Madison, IA – Voters will decide the future of the Lee County Jail later this summer.
The Board of Supervisors voted last night to set Tuesday, August 21 as the date of a special election during which the county will ask for the authority to borrow up to $5,400,000 to renovate the jail and expand the facility.
The new $6,200,000 structure would have 96-beds and the potential to add another 48 beds through expansion.
Chief Deputy Jim Scholl says the capacity of the new jail would improve safety for deputies, inmates, and the public and eliminate overcrowding issues.
In 1999, a bond referendum asking for more money to upgrade the jail was defeated.
You can hear more with Jim Scholl by clicking the audio link above.
Additional Information
* The current jail will be renovated, the temporary housing trailers would be removed, and a 17,000 square foot facility would be added.
* Developers say new staff members would not be needed at current housing levels in the new facility.
* Estimates show the county could spend millions of dollars, over the next 15 years, housing inmates in other counties.