Madison County commissioners this week voted to approve a contract to build a new county jail.  As IPR’s Thomas Ouellette reports, the project comes with a total construction cost of no more than $97.5 million.

Garmong Construction’s guaranteed maximum price to build a new county jail is close to the cost estimates made within the past few years.  Consultant Eric Weflen believes that’s impressive, given the market’s unpredictability.

“And as everybody knows, the last four years have been some of the most volatile that we’ve had in the construction industry,” Weflen said. “So to say that we’re just over one percent of the estimated budget going back several years, I think it says a lot about the commitment to the project and the people that we’ve had involved in the project and their work.”

The county is paying nearly $80 million with bonds approved earlier this month.  County Auditor Rick Garner says the remaining balance will come from the local option income tax.

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Previously, Weflen has said the new jail should help make the Madison County Sheriffs Department more versatile when classifying inmates, as it will offer spaces dedicated to programs for those with mental health needs and those with substance use disorders. 

Officials say that the most recent plans ordered by the county commissioners feature dormitory style housing for low-level offenders. While this style of housing is more affordable compared to jail pods, Sheriff John Beeman has stated security concerns during past meetings.

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With all expenses included, the new 525-bed facility will have a final cost of about $100 million and be located in North Anderson on Broadway. 

It will take approximately two years to build, with construction expected to begin next month.

Thomas Ouellette is our reporter and producer.  Contact him at thomas.ouellette@bsu.edu