COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – Branch County Commissioners started to go over the proposed resolution for a millage question which would help fund a new jail during the Commissioners work session on Thursday.
County Administrator Bud Norman told Commissioners to review the resolution which has to be adopted by Commissioners during their April 26th meeting to get the request before voters in August.
Commission Chair Don Vrablic felt the wording should be tightened when it comes to furnishing, equipping and operating. A new County Jail would be built if Branch County taxpayers say yes to a request to levy a millage of 1.5 mills for 20 years on the August 2nd primary ballot.
Commissioners also reviewed the timeline put together by Municipal Financial Committee Incorporated for the $29.25 million bonding of a new County Jail.
If approved by voters, construction is scheduled to start in the Spring of 2017.
Three options are being considered. One calls for the renovation and expansion of the current facility. Another option would be building a new jail on the Sheriff’s Department property on Marshall Road. The third option would be putting the new jail across the road on state prison property.
