Owen County RDC discusses jail land purchase, costs and sewer links; attorneys asked to clarify TIF use

Members of the Owen County Redevelopment Commission spent a substantial portion of the meeting on the county jail project, current site options and related sewer needs, and asked the county attorney to confirm what redevelopment funds can legally support.

Paula, speaking for the committee, said a previously planned land swap had been abandoned and that the county is pursuing purchase of about 17.5 acres between Walmart and the YMCA for the jail site. She reported builders’ estimates for the earlier site included a retaining wall of roughly $400,000 and other expensive utility work, and noted the county may need to pay for an easement on the parcel they are now pursuing. "I felt like we covered all of our bases ... but the builders came in, they said it was going to cost at least ... a $400,000 retaining wall," Paula said.

Members also discussed potential funding and timing. One member said the town had indicated a $2 million sewer charge for the jail, and others asked whether leftover RDC funds from a prior sewer project could legally be directed toward jail-related work. The board asked staff to remind the county attorney to review options and to report back. The commission noted insurance companies had declined extended coverage for the current jail, increasing urgency for a replacement.

Survey work on the new parcel is expected to be reviewed by the committee on the 25th; a joint work session on the jail with commissioners and the council is scheduled for July 13. Members said they are open to contributing funds for studies or targeted assistance if the attorney confirms it is lawful and consistent with TIF rules.

Next steps: the RDC will seek the attorney’s written guidance on whether RDC/TIF funds can be used for jail costs, review the survey at the committee meeting on the 25th, and coordinate with town and county leaders at a July 13 joint session.