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Houghton County jail committee reports low public engagement, says space scenarios show need for change
Summary
The county’s Jail Committee presented scenarios showing space shortages and urged greater public involvement; commissioners noted tours of the existing facility and said a deadline for site selection will be discussed at the next work session.
Members of Houghton County’s Jail Committee told commissioners on Jan. 13 that planning work has revealed space shortfalls and that public engagement on a potential new facility has been limited.
Faith Morrison, reporting for the Jail Needs Subcommittee, said consultant scenarios prepared by Travis Dessellier were “eye-openers” and acknowledged public skepticism about why a new jail might be needed. Morrison said the subcommittee is trying to attract more public participation and volunteers to help produce informational videos; minutes of the committee are posted on the county website.
Commissioner Roy Britz said people are touring the current jail, and the next Jail Committee meeting is scheduled for Feb. 2 at 4:00 p.m. Chairman Tom Tikkanen said the board will discuss a deadline for locating a new jail at the next work session.
Sheriff Saaranen reported the county jail population at roughly 18–20 inmates. No formal decision to build or site a new jail was made at the Jan. 13 meeting; the discussion focused on planning, outreach, and gathering information for future board action.
