Over 25 people gathered Thursday night in Perry in a town hall setting to learn more about the upcoming bond referendum vote to construct a new Dallas County law enforcement center along the east side of Adel on Highway 6.
Dallas County Sheriff Chad Leonard, Dallas County District 1 Supervisor Brad Golightly and Citizens For Dallas County Coordinator Mark Powell provided detailed information about the proposed project.
Sheriff Leonard reaffirmed the current jail situation has become both a cost and possible safety burden for his staff. The average daily jail population from April 2016 to December 2016 was 53 inmates. Currently the jail has 36 actual beds after being granted a variance for 12 additional beds but that variance is expected to expire in March of 2018 bringing the total beds to 24.
“I think one of the key numbers that show the type of situation we are in here in Dallas County is the state variance report,” stated Leonard. “Out of 98 county jails in Iowa, Dallas County is ranked 36th for jail size and when the variance expires in 2018, we will be ranked 49th in jail size. Factor in that Dallas County’s population is ranked 10th and growing at a faster rate than anybody in the state, just proves how deficient the current jail service is.”
The proposed new law enforcement center will provide 130 beds, along with an initial appearance court room, Sheriff and jail administration along with support spaces such as interview rooms, evidence and records rooms and a sally port.
Voters in Dallas County will head to the polls on May 2nd to vote on the 22.9 million dollar bond referendum.
“As voters study the facts and learn about how this new facility is needed, I think it’s important to understand how little of an impact it will have on our Dallas County residents,” stated Powell.
“The most important aspect is the lifecycle cost of doing nothing versus building a new facility. Over a 30 year life cycle period, Dallas County will save over 22 million dollars by constructing a new facility and the actual breakeven point for the construction of the new building is within 2 to 3 years of its opening.”
Powell also addressed specifics on what it will cost Perry residents.
“As far as a direct impact, the assessed value of a home in Perry averages below 50,000 dollars, that means it will be only an 8 dollar and 11 cent increase per year. At 100,000 dollars, its only 14 dollars and 85 cents per year. So as you can see, we’re not talking about a tremendous burden.”
Perry’s town hall meeting was the 9th of 11 scheduled by the Sheriff’s Department.