Houghton County weighs options for new justice center as consultants cite noncompliance, estimate up to $24 million
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Summary
County consultants told commissioners the existing jail is noncompliant and outlined renovation or new‑build options for a 50–80‑bed Justice Center with preliminary cost estimates around $24 million; residents voiced safety concerns and asked whether the issue will go to the ballot.
Houghton County commissioners on April 15 heard a presentation on options to replace or renovate the county jail, with consultants saying the existing facility fails key standards and offering plans that range from additions to new construction that could cost roughly $24 million.
The presentation by Joseph Mrak and Bret Dodd outlined a six‑step planning process (the first four steps complete) and delivered a 46‑page draft evaluating housing for 50, 60, 70 or 80 beds. "The jail currently is non‑compliant due to spaces being too small, no visibility from a single point, lots of obstacles, and potential base line of staff," Dodd told the board, citing 23 standards used in annual evaluations.
The consultants said the county’s existing 30‑bed facility is about 21 beds short after applying a 20% classification factor used to provide separation by gender, offense and severity. They presented three viable approaches under consideration: addition and renovation of an existing church building on the proposed site, new construction on that church site, or other renovation options; Options 1 and 3 were removed from further consideration.
Cost estimates remain preliminary. Dodd cited Delta County’s comparable Option 2 at $17 million and said Houghton County’s estimate is approximately $24 million but warned numbers could change because of tariffs and market variability. The proposal also identifies program needs such as a day room, storage and a kitchen sized to projected inmate counts; it notes a projected need for 48 parking spaces versus the current 16.
Administrator Rheault gave a funding illustration: "for a millage of 1.5 mills it would be $14.00 per month per taxpayer," and Chairman Tom Tikkanen said the board will examine options at a public work session scheduled for May 5, 2025; no decisions were made during the special meeting.
Public commenters emphasized safety, cost and process. John Slayton urged alternatives to incarceration, suggesting "using tethers on nonviolent offenders to save on money, food and housing." Jim Quinlan, a former jail worker, said the facility poses dangers for staff: "the Houghton County Jail is the most dangerous site for Sheriff and deputies," and called for swift action to protect inmates and personnel. Sheriff Saaranen said transporting inmates out of county strains staffing and budget, noting it "takes money to house inmates, to feed them, and mileage to travel." Several residents asked whether the project would go to a public vote.
The board will continue discussion at the May 5 work session; presenters did not recommend a single option at the special meeting and emphasized that cost and scheduling estimates remain subject to refinement.