Portage Co. voters shun jail proposal
Sari Lesk, and Chris Mueller
Stevens Point Journal
STEVENS POINT - Voters showed little support Tuesday for a proposal to build a new jail and courthouse in Portage County.
The County Board decided to ask voters whether they support building a new jail and courthouse attached to the existing county government building for an estimated $78.5 million. A total of 21,913 people voted against the project, while 13,916 in favor of it.
County leaders who support the project say a new jail will alleviate overcrowding in the existing facility that causes the county to ship inmates elsewhere. They're also concerned about safety in the courtrooms, where inmates and defendants are not separated from the general population, including victims and witnesses. The proposed new building would be about 270,000 square feet and would include a jail with a capacity for 200 beds.
Tuesday's referendum was nonbinding, meaning that County Board members can review the results but don't necessarily have to act on them.
The county has not yet determined the impact on tax bills, as all figures for the project are an estimate.
Portage County voters prior to Tuesday's election did not support two other referendum questions on the subject.
The election results are unofficial until a canvas of outstanding ballots.
Sari Lesk: 715-345-2257 or sari.lesk@gannettwisconsin.com; on Twitter @Sari_Lesk.