Letter to the Editor: Why you should vote yes for a new jail

To the Editor:
As many are aware, a bond referendum for a county safety center is on the November 4th ballot. I urge everyone to vote yes.
Why should you vote yes for the $4.9 million referendum? Primarily because it’s the least expensive option for Allamakee County. It sounds outrageous, but compared to the other option of out-of-county jailing, the referendum will result in significant long-term savings for our county. Our property taxes will increase no matter what decision is made, but if the referendum passes, the increase will be consistent and will drop when the bond is paid off. The out-of-county jailing costs are going to grow exponentially each year – at least $400,000 will need to be added to the Sheriff’s budget the first year of out-of-county jailing.
Second Reason: Economic Boost. Building a facility will create an economic boost for Allamakee County. The project will provide the opportunity to have local contractors and businesses bid on the project. Also, building a facility will positively affect business - we will have several contractors, subcontractors and laborers in Allamakee County.
Third Reason: Planning ahead. The proposed safety center will serve our needs for at least the next 75 years. We know the existing jail is obsolete and will be closed in the near future. If you have not seen the existing jail, I recommend you take a tour and see the inadequacies first hand. The new facility will also alleviate space constraints at the courthouse. When the dispatchers, E911 staff, emergency management staff and all sheriff personnel move to the new facility, the fourth floor of the courthouse can be utilized for another purpose.
Fourth Reason: Out-of-County jailing puts us at the mercy of others; we will not have any control over where the inmates are housed, the housing rates (approximately $100/day per prisoner) and how far and how often the city police and county deputies will have to travel to drop off and pick up the inmates.   Did you know that any inmate in the work release program must be transported by the Sheriff’s Office or the city police, whomever made the arrest, from their out-of-county jail to their place of employment and back every day, multiplying the transportation and staff costs daily – no matter where that inmate is housed in the State of Iowa?
Fifth Reason: Progressive and Forward Thinking. Passing the bond to construct a facility that meets the minimum state and federal requirements sends a strong progressive message that Allamakee is changing with the times. A county that does not have a jail is not looked upon positively by potential businesses. If Allamakee County cannot offer this, what other services and support are lacking?
Sixth Reason: Makee Manor Property. Construction of a public safety center utilizes the Makee Manor property at a higher use and is a central location for all communities in Allamakee County. Additionally, the county already owns the land, eliminating the need to purchase new land and remove it from the tax rolls - the less property on the tax rolls, the more we all have to pay to make up the difference.
It may seem that this process has been rushed, but in actuality, the project has been in action for the last two years. A county-wide committee has spent the last two years exploring all the options for Allamakee County. Through studies and assessments it is clear that the decision comes down to two options: build a new jail facility or limit ourselves to out-of-county jail services.
An unbiased fact sheet has been put together showing both options. The fact sheet does not promote a yes or a no vote – it strictly provides the facts. Please go to http://www.allamakeecounty.com or The Allamakee County Sheriff’s Office website to read and download the fact sheet and the other documents pertaining to this issue. The ACED Board of Directors and staff are also available to discuss your concerns and answer questions regarding this project.
Please vote yes with ACED to make the most fiscally responsible and best economic decision for Allamakee on November 4th.

Laura J. Olson
Executive Director
Allamakee County Economic Development & Tourism