(KNSI)—Stearns County officials are continuing their cross-county tour this week, making three stops to build support among voters for a new jail and justice center.
The open house-style series will be in Cold Spring at ROCORI High School from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. tonight (Monday, September 23rd). The other two meetings are on Tuesday, September 24th, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. and at the Elrosa Fire Hall on Thursday, September 26th, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Albany City Hall.
The sessions offer a chance for community members to learn more about the proposed $325 million project. Officials will explain why the county is asking for a new justice facility, how it plans to pay for it and to answer questions. The meetings are drop-in, allowing residents to come and go as they please.
According to a press release, the state has been telling Stearns County to 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 the building will be outside of downtown and on green space.
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 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
To learn more about the project and community meeting details, click here.
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