COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – The first of two public meetings on the August 2, 2016 millage question for a new Branch County Jail was held on Thursday night at the Coldwater Township Hall. A sparse gathering of about 25 persons including Branch County Commissioners attended.
Branch County Sheriff John Pollack gave a power point presentation on the condition of the current jail. He said a lot of money is being spent on repairs.
Pollack pointed out the leaks as well as electrical and plumbing problems. He later said that while having “boots on the ground” in the form of additional deputies was his number one priority, a new jail was 1-A.
Joseph Mrak from Securitecture of Noblesville, Indiana said during his power point that there would be no increase in staff in a new jail that would house up to 200 inmates and 40 others in an intake area.
The proposed millage is for 1.5 mills for 20 years. Branch County Administrator Bud Norman said as an example, a owner of a $100,000 home would pay an additional $75 a year if the millage passed.
One audience member was skeptical about the financial figures and he questioned the need to house over 200 inmates. But another person in the audience said a new jail was needed because of all of the money being spent on repairs.
Another audience member was upset the problems which were spelled out during the presentation have not been taken care of “and now we’re going to pay $30 million for a new jail?”
A couple of other audience members near the end of the meeting said they wanted the county to bring back road patrol deputies that were cut several years ago during a budget belt tightening. The millage question on August 2nd is for a new jail only.
