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Cass County officials discuss court holding limits, transport needs and timing for new jail opening
Summary
Sheriff Jonner and court staff told commissioners the courthouse holding area has eight cells with a 27-person capacity, the county is reviewing transport van reliability, and contractors are targeting a May completion on the new jail with planning to accept inmates in early June if the schedule holds.
Sheriff Jonner and courthouse staff told the Cass County Board of Commissioners that current courthouse holding capacity and transport logistics will need review as the county expands courtroom space and moves toward occupancy of a larger jail facility.
Captain Fuller, who oversees court transport, told commissioners the courthouse holding area has eight cells with a total capacity of 27 people; five of those cells are typically used as single-occupant cells for inmates requiring separation. Fuller said the courthouse operates three criminal courtrooms and that adding a new courtroom will increase the number of in-custody appearances and the demand on holding space.
Sheriff Jonner and other staff discussed transport logistics and equipment needs. Jonner said one transport van has had repeated mechanical issues—falling back to a top speed of about 40 mph and needing repeated repairs—and the sheriff’s office expects that expanding courthouse operations could require at least one additional transport vehicle.
On the new jail facility, contractors and county construction managers gave an anticipated substantial completion date in mid‑May; the contractors cited May 12 as their target for finishing construction and beginning punch‑list work, while county staff said that if that schedule holds the jail could be ready to accept inmates in early June under the current operational plan. Jonner said the sheriff’s office would need two to three weeks after turnover for staff orientation, policy work and other preparations.
Commissioners urged the project team to set a clear opening date and work backward to coordinate training, equipment deliveries and any public open houses. One commissioner suggested setting a later public opening date (for example, June 15) to provide buffer for any remaining construction or deliveries; county staff said mattress orders, linens and other supplies are already placed and some items have been delivered.
Commissioners and staff noted that a certificate of occupancy and final punch list remain prerequisites to moving people into the new facility. The project's substantial completion date for the new courtroom associated with courthouse expansion appeared in the meeting record as Oct. 29.
No formal action was taken; commissioners asked staff to continue coordination among the sheriff’s office, the courts and the project team and to return with concrete timelines and a public plan once construction punch‑list work is complete.
