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Carbon County Republican Women April 2021 Commissioners Discussing Proposed Jail
The Carbon County Republican Women had the Carbon county (Montana) commissioners as guests to discuss the proposed county jail and answer questions. I mentioned the Two Rivers Regional Detention Facility because that is part of the discussion, whether or not Carbon County could use that facility (Carbon county and Big Horn County are next to one another).
Meeting minutes:
From Pat Plowman "Commissioner Bill Bullock began with “jail facts.” The total cost in tax mils is estimated at 38.5 for operations and 21.3 for construction for a total of almost 60 mils. For exact figures and current estimates, go to the county website, said Bill. https://co.carbon.mt.us/construction-issues/detention-facility-planning/ He reported a three hour conversation with the Hardin detention facility, leased by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, and was told Carbon County could not show up tomorrow at Hardin with detainees. Bill reported the facility is not sound.
President Marble asked, “What it would take to make the facility usable for us? Is there not some one to break the political barrier around it?” The answer seemed to require State legislation as well as facility upgrades.
Another question was, how much would it cost to hire an extra one or two deputies just for transfers. Commissioner Bullock said the cost would be exorbitant. At present, transfers are usually performed by one deputy and one reserve deputy.
Another member asked if Carbon County was requesting COVID funds and why this jail must be balanced on the already overloaded “backs” of property owners. “Land values are already jumping and inflation accelerating.” Commissioner Bill Bullock said the COVID funds are in at least two categories, direct sending to counties and infrastructure which will be finalized in September. Bill said there will be an open forum April 20 to present the jail. The County Commissioners’ phone is 406-446-1595.
The was a question regarding the number of prisoners. The undersheriff estimated 20 per month.
A community member whose house is across the road from the proposed jail asked about in house medical and mental health care. This is presently provided by the Billings Clinic. The Joliet jail would hire one full time Registered Nurse and a part time doctor. He also asked about the average stay.
At this point Commissioner Bullock pointed to the 193 people in Carbon County with warrants of over half a million dollars for non-violent offenses such as bad checks.
Undersheriff Schmaltz answered in regard to average stay that at Bozeman the average is two weeks. Most arrests end with “citation and release.”
Commissioner Scott Blain in answer to questions about taxes noted that the top 50 taxpayers in Carbon County pay half the taxes. His own taxes would probably increase by $400. Express Pipeline might see an increase of $166,000. State Representative Seth Berglee has a bill to bring COVID money to Carbon County. He as well as Senator Howard can be messaged at 406-444-4800. Scott said he is meeting with the State Marshall but no committment has been made by Marshalls to use the proposed jail.
A Joliet resident asked for an estimate of the yearly operating cost. This would be about $2 million with an averave 6% growth, perhaps less. Stillwater County has yet to make a commitment for beds. Gordon Sirrine commented on the size of the jail, first 50, then 100, now 50 beds, when the Sheriff estimated Carbon County would use 20-25 beds. He also asked about the charge to other counties. Commissioner Bullock said Sweet Grass County was told $100 per day and he probably has a committment. Stillwater has not committed. A charge of $125 per day was suggested.
Another CCRW member asked about the cost for building the jail. The estimate is $19 million, then $2.17 million annually.
Former State Representative Scott Boggio asked about Carbon County taxes, which may go up 25% with the proposed school levies etc. He asked the Commissioners to look at negotiating with Hardin for space. Commissioner Bill Bullock said it depends on what Sheriff McQuillan wants. Transportation for other counties is an issue to be settled also if the jail is built. Contracts are being discussed and would probably be renegotiated every three years.
President Marble observed timing is also an issue. During the Trump years, the economy was expanding and taxes decreasing but taxpayers now are struggling and this will be a tough sell.
There was talk of the annual prisoner cost, about $300,000 presently, to be rolled into the $2 million for the jail. The sheriff’s budget is presently about $1 million. Said Commissioner Blain in regard to the Hardin facility, it is 60 miles down the road in another county. Other comments regarding keeping Carbon County money in county, rather than to Yellowstone etc.
A Red Lodge member asked about water, etc. infrastructure. Joliet would probably need to add expensive infrastructure."
Category | News & Politics |
Sensitivity | Normal - Content that is suitable for ages 16 and over |
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