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The County has been asked, “how will the county pay for the additional operations/facility costs for the new jail…will an additional millage request be necessary for operational costs?” NO - The proposed 1.15 mill request ALREADY INCLUDES these costs factored into it: Staffing: The current staffing level of Corrections Officers in the jail is 10. It has been determined that an additional 4 Corrections Officers is projected to be needed with the larger jail. Even though the new jail will be more than double the size of the current jail, the number of staff doesn’t need to be doubled, because the pod-style design of the proposed new jail is safer and more efficient than the linear-style of the current jail. Corrections Officers are less likely to be harmed performing their jobs since the design allows officers to better see and assist each other and inmates rather than being cornered or out of sight. The pod-style design allows for separation of arrest categories, crime severities, age differences and those being housed with contributing mental or medical factors. This provides a safer facility for staff, protects inmates from one another, and reduces the county’s susceptibility to liability. Current Processing Area - marginally compliant, Current Control Center - configuration is located In the hallway, poor security staff-intensive with limited visibility of jail Inmate food and health care: The county is required to provide food and also pay for the healthcare needs of inmates. While these costs are managed very they will increase because of the potential for an increased number of inmates. ---PAGE BREAK--- Utilities: In comparison to the current jail, the proposed new facility utilities will reflect lower unit costs due to newer technologies and increased energy efficient building standards. However, even with the efficiencies, increased building size will result in overall higher utility cost. This has already been factored in. Square footage for the current jail/sheriff’s office 11,100 Square footage for the old justice complex plan 60,000 Square footage for the new proposed jail/sheriff’s office 31,000 **All costs associated with additional staffing, inmate volume, and utilities have already been factored into the proposed millage request.** Visit the county website for extensive information on: Jail and Crime Information Facility Information Financial Information Questions and Answers www.otsegocountymi.gov/394/Jail-Proposal