4/29/14 - A project to expand the Livingston County Jail is a done deal following Mondayâs meeting of the Livingston County Board of Commissioners. Commissioners unanimously approved a resolution of intent to issue $14.2 (m) million in tax-exempt bonds for a term bond term of 15 years. Construction costs are estimated at $16.7 (m) million and a detailed presentation was made by the Jail Improvement Committee, which was tasked with examining the current facility and identifying needs along with vetting numbers and assumptions. Annual operating costs of $1.2 (m) million are expected to be offset with state revenue sharing thatâs expected to be reinstated, as well as from housing federal inmates. It was stated that the countyâs delinquent tax revolving fund can sustain the annual payments and the timing is good with the market, low interest rates and the Countyâs AAA bond rating. Members of the Livingston County Democratic Party have been vocal in opposing the project - saying building a bigger jail will only lead to it being filled up again and that options should be explored further with greater public input. Among them was Howell Township Trustee Michael Tipton, a candidate for the county board, who said residents, "...can now look forward to 15 years of tight finances in the county. Forget about road improvements, sheriff's patrols, and overdue wage increases for county workers." Tipton said the decision should have gone to the voters for approval. Sheriff Bob Bezotte and county officials say itâs a much more complex problem than just recurring overcrowding and the need for the jail renovations and how to finance it have been discussed in depth while alternatives to incarceration have been exhausted and will continue with assistance from local judges. There have been dramatic changes to the male/female inmate population and the ratios of different security levels since the jail was last expanded in 1996, including more violent criminals and drug offenders. Bezotte tells WHMI itâs not their intent to keep people in jail but the community has changed and increased population means more crime. The Jail Improvement Committee consisted of county administrators and officials, jail staff, defense and bond counsel as well as local judges among others. One former inmate got choked up while speaking during call to the public, saying thereâs not enough space and a definite need to expand the jail. She says itâs about having decency for those incarcerated, adding that inmates are paying, literally and financially, to stay in the jail and shouldnât be sleeping on a dirty floor for days. A copy of the Jail Improvement Committee presentation can be accessed through the attachment below. (JM)
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