Fond du Lac County Jail Project

RIPON, Wis (WRPN)- Fond du Lac County Executive Sam Kaufman says anyone thinking that county officials have already made their minds up about building a new jail and/or justice center are laboring under a misapprehension.

The County Board last week approved the hiring of an architect, as well as the hiring of a firm to do a study before any designs are drawn up. Kaufman says Just Us Service Group’s study will include jail population forecasting, a justice system assessment, and looking at alternatives for incarcerations programs. He says if the alternative programs are viable that could lower the number of beds needed for a jail.

Venture Architects will then do schematic designs for the County Highway Department or Scott Road site and the site across from the current jail on Western Avenue in Fond du Lac. Estimated costs for both designs will be taken to the County’s bond consultant to come up with ways of paying for the cost.

Kaufman says before any decision is made by the County Board they will hold information sessions for the public. He says another important consideration will be the operational costs for a new county jail.

To hear an interview with Sam Kaufman click here.