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New Cass County jail pod set for May 12 occupancy date; officials urge firm opening schedule
Summary
County staff said a certificate of occupancy for a new jail pod is scheduled for May 12, 2025, and commissioners pressed the sheriff’s office to set a firm operational start date; officials also updated commissioners on a command vehicle upfit, forensic training and a law enforcement storage building expected in February.
Cass County Sheriff’s Office staff told commissioners on Dec. 11 that the contractor has scheduled a certificate of occupancy for the county’s new jail pod for May 12, 2025, but cautioned the facility still needs testing and staff training before inmates can be moved in.
“On this form that I have it says that a certificate of occupancy is scheduled for 05/12/2025,” said Jesse, a county staff member. Commissioners urged the sheriff’s office to set a firm operational date rather than rely on rolling contractor estimates.
Why it matters: County leaders said setting a firm opening date would focus contractor and county resources to complete the remaining punch-list items, security electronics testing and staff training needed to operate the new pod. Staff also noted that computerized security systems and door- and camera-testing are likely the longest lead items during the final 30 days of the project.
Operational prep and staffing: Captain Andy Froelbeck said the department plans a post-occupancy checklist covering door locks, camera systems and staff training. One county official suggested declaring a firm start date to create pressure to finish outstanding work and ensure staffing and operational procedures are in place.
Command vehicle and training: The sheriff’s office also updated the commission on a crime-scene command vehicle that is being upfitted with emergency lighting and electronics. County IT staff are assisting with the vehicle upfit to reduce contracting costs, and the sheriff’s office said it will ask the commission for materials funding to complete investigative equipment. The department reported it has sent two investigators to the National Forensic Academy in Tennessee and plans to send a third in January; the course runs about 10 weeks and covers advanced forensic techniques.
Storage building and court security: Gene Gartner, building and grounds supervisor, told staff the county’s law enforcement storage building is expected to be ready for occupancy by Feb. 1, 2025. Separately, staff said a court security meeting is scheduled and may result in requests for cameras or duress systems; commissioners said they would listen to formal requests before making commitments.
Ending: Commissioners asked that staff return with a specific timeline and training plan for the pod’s operational start and said they would consider adopting a formal resolution if a date is required for regulatory or administrative sign-off.
