The council approved $510,380 for the property. That’s near the Honey Creek Mall at the old Stu’s Golf Course.
Councilwoman Lisa Spence-Bunnett and councilman Chris Switzer opposed the approval.
Spence- Bunnett has been vocal about her opposition to jail costs ever since discussion first began three years ago.
She says she is disappointed in tonight’s vote. She says it’s been frustrating getting county commissioners together with other elected officials to have an open conversation about jail expenses.
From the very beginning my experience as a citizen was that really the approach was ‘this is the one thing, this is how it’s going to be, that’s it. That’s it.’ Since I’ve been a council member, I’ve really found that’s been the way of things as well. This was basically a move to try to change that picture so the council could have a format in engaging with the sheriff, engaging with the designers and really try to have a stake in the ground to drive the discussion for other alternatives.”
Spence-Bunnett said
The council also approved that a portion .75% local income tax. It could be used to help pay for the $7 million lease on the property. Bids are expected to begin October 3rd.
