COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – For a third time in recent years, Branch County voters will be asked to pay for building a new jail. The Branch County Board of Commissioners voted 5-0 Tuesday to put a millage question on the August primary ballot for a new jail.
While a 20-year, 1.5 mill proposal for a new county jail was soundly defeated by almost 1,100 votes in August of 2016, the proposal this time will be a 20 year request for up to 1.25 mills per year with the option of refinancing after the seventh year if economic conditions allow it.
If approved, the new 184 bed jail would be built behind the current lockup.
Backers of a new jail say it’s needed because the former Maple Lawn facility is crumbling. There has also been constant overcrowding which has led to female inmates being housed in other counties.
Commissioner Terri Norris made the motion to put the millage question on the August ballot which was seconded by Leonard Kolcz.
Norris later said a four person committee has been formed that supports the jail millage and she asked fellow Commissioners to give them some input. It will be the county’s third attempt to pass a jail millage.
