A series of meetings and a media blitz should have Guthrie County residents ready to make an informed vote Tuesday on an $8.5-million referendum to pay for a jail expansion and parking lot improvement project in Guthrie Center, that authorities have been promoting. Sheriff’s officials have said the current jail, constructed 56-years ago, was originally only supposed to house 10 inmates and five employees, but it is currently 100% full, due to segregation rules (including gender, juvenile, medical/mental health issues, misdemeanor/felony, etc.). And, while the jail might only five inmates, it is considered full due to the segregation rules. Overflow inmates are transferred to another county at a daily rate.

Authorities say the cost of housing inmates at other out-of-county facilities from December 2018 to November 2019 amounting to over $47,180, and does not include transportation/labor costs of approximately $29,000 per year. They said also, the jail is cramped. It was built to house several departments within the Sheriff’s Office (dispatch, civil, patrol, administration) and Guthrie County inmates charged with criminal offenses outlined in the Iowa Code.

Sheriff Marty Arganbright says due to an increase in crime, drug use, and mental health issues, there is a mix of 35 full and part-time employees, reserve officers, and chaplains. Because there’s also an increase in inmates, some are forced to sleep on the floor and live in less than humane conditions. Officials say the 911 Center/Dispatch area is not secure, and there is poor inmate flow that presents increased risk to public, staff, and inmates.

The solution, according to officials is a 14,800 square foot addition will serve as the Guthrie County Law Enforcement Center (LEC). The facility is designed to include five classification units and four intake holding cells and includes a jail with 28 beds (with second bunk – 32 beds), jail services, jail administration, Sheriff’s administration, patrol, and investigations. Other support spaces include interview rooms, evidence, records, storage, and a sally port. From a safety perspective the new facility design and surveillance technologies officials say, will enhance safety by providing more effective supervision, less potential incidental contact between inmates, staff and the public, and reduced inmate transfers.

To tour the current facility and see models of the new Guthrie County Jail Center visit the Guthrie County Vote website.