Stearns County to Host 20 Open Houses to Build Support for $325 Million Jail and Justice Center Proposal

(KNSI) – Stearns County officials are preparing to crisscross the county to convince voters to support a new jail and justice center.

Over the next two months, the county has scheduled 20 open house-style meetings on the proposed $325 million project. The sessions offer a chance for community members to learn more about the project, why the county says it needs the new justice facility, how it plans to pay for it and to get their questions answered from county representatives. Each meeting is a drop-in format, allowing residents to come and go as they please.

According to a press release, the state has been telling Stearns County that it must address deficiencies in its jail. Two studies concluded adding on and upgrading the facility would waste taxpayers’ money.

In June, the board voted to build a new jail, sheriff’s office, courtrooms and related facilities on undeveloped land in St. Cloud. The county says building outside of downtown on green space will cost less. Stearns County would use a 3/8 cent sales tax to cover the $325 million price tag if voters approved by voters in November. The Stearns County Board of Commissioners has made it clear that if the sales tax does not pass, property taxes will fund the project.

September 12, 5:00-7:00 p.m. St. Martin Parish Hall
September 16, 7:00 p.m. St. Cloud Library
September 17, 5:00-7:00 p.m. Melrose City Hall
September 23, 5:00-7:00 p.m. Cold Spring | ROCORI HS | DES Building
September 24, 5:00-7:00 p.m. Elrosa Fire Hall
September 26, 5:00-7:00 p.m. Albany City Hall
September 30, 5:00-7:00 p.m. Brooten Pavilion
October 1, 5:00-7:00 p.m. St. Stephen City Hall
October 2, 9:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. St. Cloud Whitney Senior Center
October 3, 5:00-7:00 p.m. Luxemburg | St. Wendelin’s Mary Hall
October 7, 5:00-7:00 p.m. Sartell Community Center
October 8, 5:00-7:00 p.m. Paynesville City Hall
October 10, 5:00-7:00 p.m. Kimball Library
October 15, 5:00-7:00 p.m. Holdingford City Hall
October 16, 5:00-7:00 p.m. St. Augusta City Hall
October 17, 5:00-7:00 p.m. St. Joseph | Millstream Park/Shelter
October 21, 5:00-7:00 p.m. Sauk Centre City Hall
October 23, 5:00-7:00 p.m. Waite Park City Hall
October 24, 5:00-7:00 p.m. Eden Valley Community Center
October 28, 5:00-7:00 p.m. St. Cloud Library | Mississippi Room