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The Houghton County Board of Commissioners continues to wrestle with what to do about the overcrowded, outdated jail.
The county’s task force recently recommended that a new jail be built that would also house the sheriff’s department, and district court.
Task force members left open the question of location.
A facility could be built on county property across Dodge Street from the existing courthouse, but the roughly two-acre site leaves no room for future expansion.
Building on a stand-alone site of five acres or more would provide room for long-term growth, including the eventual potential relocation of all county offices, but would cost more.
Cost estimates for the building would depend on the site elected.
Commissioners Gretchen Janssen and Roy Britz agreed to look into some potential locations within the Houghton city limits, as state law requires.
The board asked the county planning commission to take the lead on developing efforts to provide information to community members and getting feedback.
A proposal could be prepared in time to be placed on the ballot in August, 2020.
In other action, commissioners reappointed Christy Hilgers to the Health and Human Services Board.
Two terms are also expiring on the planning commission. Both members have expressed a desire to continue, but commissioners felt it would be best to see if anyone else might also be interested, so those positions will be advertised.
The Rice Lake Special Assessment Roll was approved. This is the final year that property owners will be assessed for improvements that were recently made to stabilize the lake level.
