Stearns County Hosts Open Houses to Discuss Proposed New Jail and Justice Center Financing

(KNSI) – Stearns County is halfway through its journey to reach residents and convince them to support a new jail and justice center.

Voters have ten open house-style meetings left to get their concerns addressed and questions answered on a proposed 3/8th cent sales take to cover the cost of the estimated $325 million project. Monday’s meeting is from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Sartell Community Center. The next session is Tuesday from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Paynesville City Hall, and the week’s final meeting is Thursday from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Kimball Library. Each session is in drop-in format, 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 building outside of downtown on green space will cost less. If voters approve in November, Stearns County would use a 3/8 cent sales tax to cover construction. The Stearns County Board of Commissioners has made it clear that if the sales tax does not pass, property taxes will fund the project.

The average residential property in Stearns County is valued at $259,000, and the homeowner would pay an estimated $85 a year in sales tax. If the project is fully funded with property taxes, the homeowner would pay closer to $200 a year.

According to county officials, about 55% of sales tax collected would come from residents outside the county. That inflow is also seen in the jail population, which is split roughly 50/50 between county residents and non-residents.

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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