Chickasaw County Supervisors in Holding Pattern on Future of Jail

Chickasaw County remains in a holding pattern on the future of its County jail facilities.

At their August 14th meeting, the Board of Supervisors discussed the possibility of a bond referendum of over $6 million dollars to add a new holding facility and renovate the current building, now some 65-years-old.

During their regular Board meeting Monday, August 21, the Board heard from former Supervisor Arnie Boge, who said the County doesn’t need a fancy jail. He also challenged whether Supervisors and the Sheriff’s Office have fully explored bringing the current facility up to regulation and/or shipping inmates elsewhere.

Sheriff’s Chief Deputy Zach Nosbisch noted the changes in state law that govern how inmates are housed and how they limit the capabilities of the current facility.

If the County does nothing to upgrade the jail, they may be forced to close it and ship all inmates out of the County. Supervisor Jacob Hackman cited Hancock County, which now takes inmates to neighboring Winnebago County. 

Supervisors asked Sheriff Ryan Shawver to research costs associated with transporting inmates out of the County. The Board didn’t rule out the possibility  of bond referendum yet this November, but no decision was made on the issue.