Voters in Ingham County have approved the $70 million Justice Complex Millage.
Sheriff Wriggelsworth says the current jail has a number of issues which includes technology disadvantages, safety concerns, and structural challenges.
“We've got an old linear style jail where we've got very limited site vision on inmates when they're in here, it's very dangerous for our deputies to work in”, said Sheriff Wriggelsworth.”
On Wednesday, he released a statement along with the 55th District Court Judges Thomas Boyd and Donald Allen thanking voters for approving the millage. "Serving justice in Ingham County is what we are elected to do," the statement read. "The voters approving the funding for a modern facility for court, law enforcement, and custody is exactly what this county needed to continue to properly serve our residents. We are excited to work with our community partners to enhance rehabilitative services, both in the jail and upon each individual’s return to the community. With every election, there are people disappointed with the results. This one is no different, and we understand. Our promise to all is to building a safe, secure, and effective 55th District Court, county jail and Sheriff’s Office. We are committed to the expanded programing provided through the millage which promotes public safety. This will be a collaborative effort with responsible use of tax dollars. More detailed planning will begin right away." The statement concluded with, "The future is bright for serving justice in Ingham County."
Ingham county officials say the millage will costs owners of a $100,000 home approximately $43 a year for 20 years.
“We're bleeding money”, Ingham County Jail Correctional Administrator Major Darrin Southworth told FOX 47's Cryss Walker.
“In 2017, we had nearly 2,500 fix-it-tickets to our facilities management.” These are repairs that county officials say are exhausting the budget.
“This facility has been open 365-days-a-year, 24-hours-a-day, seven days a week, every minute of every day since the early ‘60s. It’s old”, Major Southworth continued.
Residents who had supported the millage told FOX 47 that they voted in favor of it to help the county in the long-run..
