Stearns County Plans November Referendum For Justice Center Sales Tax

(KNSI) – Stearns County officials are making the case for a new 3/8 cent sales tax to pay for a new justice center.

Assistant County Administrator Stephen Hammes says several steps were taken to save taxpayers money and extend operations at the jail. But there is a limit to what can be done. He explains, “The walls are three feet thick, it’s steel and concrete. It’s designed to not be easily changed because you don’t want people getting out.”

The current jail was built in 1986 and was expected to last for 30 years. By 2002, it was already out of space and inmates started being sent to neighboring counties. It is also no longer in compliance with regulatory standards.

While a final decision has not been made on what the new facility will look like, it will be difficult to fit it downtown. Operating costs dictate that jails be only one story and with the number of beds required, it would have a footprint of up to 40 acres. County Administrator Mike Williams says they would need to purchase land to keep it in the heart of St. Cloud.

“If we would expand downtown, we would expand to the west. The lot that has Howie’s, and there’s a law firm, and we have our own parking lot there.”

They are also considering several greenfield sites elsewhere. The county will put a referendum on the November ballot to raise up to $320 million for the project through a 3/8 cent sales tax. Williams says details will be finalized by July so the referendum language can be written in time to take it to voters.

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