New Hampton Ready to Play Their Part in New Chickasaw County Jail

The future of a new Chickasaw County Jail will likely involve help from the City of New Hampton. 

The County and the City of New Hampton recently heard results of a study of the current jail that its unsafe and non-compliant with state code as well as possible configurations and costs for a new jail. The Samuels Group proposed a basic jail with holding cells, a booking area, and new offices for the sheriff’s department for about $13.2 million.

Since New Hampton Police also take people they arrest to the jail, the County would like the City to help pay to build a new facility. Perhaps at least 25%.

Paying for the jail would require a bond referendum, which Mayor Bobby Schwickerath says the City Council has agreed to pursue.

Schwickerath says a bond referendum could be voted on this September or November for a jail that needs to be replaced soon.

State jail inspectors have been recommending a new jail for about 10 years because the facility only meets the bare minimum for needs and rights of inmates as well. The 65-year-old jail was originally designed as living quarters for the sheriff upstairs and inmates housed on the first level.

The Samuels Group has also cautioned officials that continuing to wait on a new County jail could mean construction costs will rise about 8% annually.