Owen County approves land swap for critical jail project amid budget constraints

The Owen County Commissioners held a meeting on July 3, 2025, focusing on several key issues, including the ongoing jail project and the appointment of members to the Alcohol Board.

A significant discussion centered around the jail project, with updates on a land swap involving 89 acres for a 9.5-acre parcel. The commissioners emphasized the urgency of moving forward with the project, citing deteriorating conditions at the current jail. The budget for the project is set at approximately $25 million, and officials expressed the need to adhere strictly to this budget due to limited resources and upcoming tax challenges.

Commissioner discussions highlighted the importance of completing surveys by an August 8 deadline to facilitate the land exchange. The resolution to approve the land swap was unanimously passed, reflecting a commitment to address the pressing issues surrounding the jail.

In addition to the jail project, the commissioners addressed the lack of interest in appointments to the Alcohol Board. Despite efforts to solicit candidates through the county website and social media, no responses were received. The board's next meeting is scheduled for July 14, and the commissioners plan to continue outreach to find suitable candidates.

The meeting concluded with a focus on the radio project, which has been in development for some time, although specific details were not discussed in this session. Overall, the meeting underscored the county's commitment to addressing critical infrastructure needs while navigating budgetary constraints.