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Adams County officials outline options as 40-year-old jail shows structural problems; county may seek voter funding
Summary
Adams County commissioners say the county jail is aging, has structural and environmental issues and will require major investment; options — including a possible mill levy referendum to voters — are being evaluated.
Adams County commissioners and county managers acknowledged during a telephone town hall that the county jail — built about 40 years ago — is showing structural problems and that long-term fixes could require substantial public investment.
The issue surfaced in response to a question from a web registrant about continued spending on temporary fixes given mold, water contamination and overcrowding in the jail’s behavioral health unit. "This jail is over 40 years old," Commissioner Steve O'Dorisio said, noting the facility’s age and the need to meet statutory and ethical standards for incarceration and staff safety.
Deputy County Manager Kristen Sullivan told listeners the county is "researching and evaluating various funding mechanisms." She said commissioners and the sheriff are exploring options that include a possible property tax (mill) increase if the board decides to refer a funding measure to voters. "The decision has not been made yet," Sullivan said, adding the county will work with municipal partners, law enforcement and the community before any referral.
Commissioners described a facility tour earlier the same day. Chair Lynn Baca said commissioners spent hours at the jail to review conditions, note impacts on staff and inmates, and consider rehabilitation-focused designs for a modern facility.
County officials gave a wide range of possible costs, saying some design options could approach "up to $900,000,000" while other designs would cost less. Officials said they will present information to voters and continue working with the sheriff to shape a proposal.
No formal decision or ballot measure has been announced. Commissioners described the county’s legal obligation to operate a detention facility, and they said any long-term funding plan will be subject to further study and public discussion.
What’s next: county staff and the Board of County Commissioners will continue feasibility work, evaluate funding mechanisms and hold additional public outreach before deciding whether to refer a funding proposal to voters. The county said it will provide more details as studies and budget analyses proceed.
