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County hears jail assessment: new facility options, cost estimates and plans for town halls ahead of Nov. 2026 ballot
Summary
Consultants told the Gage County Board on Feb. 18 that a new off-site jail would likely require 5–7 acres and a 50,000–55,000 sq. ft. facility with construction costs estimated at $600–$650 per square foot; the county scheduled town-hall meetings and an online survey as part of planning for a possible ballot question in November 2026.
The Gage County Board of Supervisors received an update Feb. 18 from Davis Design on preliminary assessments of the county jail and possible bond-financed replacement options.
Christian Petrick of Davis Design presented building plan options that considered renovating the current site versus constructing a new off-site facility. Petrick said planners estimate construction costs of roughly $600 to $650 per square foot and that an off-site facility to house required jail functions would likely require 5–7 acres for a 50,000–55,000 square-foot building. He also noted that the county’s current facility operates under a grandfather clause and could become non-operational, requiring out-of-county placement of inmates while a short-term intake and processing space would still be necessary.
The board scheduled town-hall informational meetings at 7:00 p.m. on March 4 and March 6 at the Beatrice High School Hevelone Center and directed staff to create an online survey and follow-up meetings to gather public feedback. Officials said the goal is to bring the issue to the ballot in the Nov. 2026 general election, and that the planning work will include a cost analysis comparing “build” and “no-build” options, financing scenarios and public preferences.
Vice Chairman Emily M. Haxby and Supervisor Gary Lytle emphasized the importance of public input in shaping a final plan and noted that surrounding counties face similar aging facility issues. The presentation also pointed out ancillary functions housed at the current facility — investigator offices, fingerprinting, vehicle inspections and sheriff staff — underscoring the county’s ongoing operational need for secure space regardless of a final build decision.
Next steps include public engagement through town halls and an online survey, completion of a cost analysis by the consultant, and development of bond and ballot language should the board decide to pursue placement on the November ballot.
