Mitchell council votes to express interest in proposed state prison after heated public debate

The Mitchell City Council voted to approve Resolution R2025-42, expressing the city’s interest in receiving information and participating in discussions about a proposed state correctional facility in Davidson County.

Council moved the measure after several council members said they wanted a seat at the table if the state considered Mitchell-area sites. The resolution does not bind the city to host a prison; it authorizes the mayor to engage with state stakeholders and request information.

Supporters at the meeting said the facility could bring jobs and payroll to the area. Mike Lauritzen of the Mitchell Chamber and Development Corporation called the proposal a major economic opportunity, saying the project could bring “441 new jobs to our community with an annual payroll of $36,700,000” and argued the city should at least seek information before taking a position. Lauritzen urged councilors not to “get too heated” and to wait for the state’s process to unfold.

Opponents — including several residents who live near the proposed sites — raised concerns about public safety, infrastructure and long-term costs to local taxpayers. Resident Dwight Statler said the community had not been shown the downsides, and warned of potential increases in policing, judicial workload and property taxes if the facility and its population weren’t carefully planned. Michelle Studer and others said local roads, schools and utilities could be strained by a sudden increase in population and asked for wider public input.

Council debate emphasized that the resolution is informational, not a commitment. Council members who supported the motion said approving it would let the city ask questions and prepare if Mitchell remained under consideration. Others urged caution and pointed out the compressed schedule for the state review process; several residents said they felt the public had learned of the proposal late in the process.

The motion passed by roll call (motion carried). The council and the mayor said they expected additional briefings and further opportunities for community questions as the state’s selection process continues. Several council members and members of the public asked that the city continue to gather details on traffic, utility needs, potential tax impacts and workforce planning.

Council members said the city will track the state schedule and provide updates to the public about any meetings or hearings where Mitchell’s candidacy is discussed.