The Starke County Jail Committee looked at plans for a renovated or new county jail yesterday afternoon, and one surprising figure presented was that renovation of the current jail would cost more than a new facility.
That’s because $750,000 to $1 million would be needed to house the prisoners for 18 months while the renovation is being completed. Also adding to the cost of renovation would be soft costs, as a renovation project would take longer than new construction.
It was recommended by Paul Downing, the DLZ Criminal Justice Specialist, that Starke County plan for a 132-bed facility.
The committee will be getting together once again on July 19 to further go over the information that was presented yesterday.
Public presentations will take place in the Knox Community Schools gymnasium on June 26, at Oregon Davis on June 31, and at North Judson-San Pierre on August 1.
