FAQ
What People Want to Know
Why can't the existing jail be renovated or expanded?
Renovation is not a feasible option as capacity and classifications are not the only issues with the current jail. The jail has a linear design (vs. podular design) which creates safety and security issues; the control room is a windowless room without a direct line of sight to the inmate spaces requiring staff to rely on camera live feeds to monitor inmates; the aging building is also running into a series of infrastructure problems.
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What will happen with the old jail?
The current plan is for the police department to utilize much of the space. The jail will be semi-operational so the County is considering converting to dormitory space for people waiting to serve time.
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Why should we build better housing for inmates?
This isn't about building better housing for inmates. This is about providing a safer work environment for our staff, protection for the public, and liability protection for Webster County. Additionally, the County is responsible for the health and safety of jail inmates and must provide a safe and humane environment but it doesn't mean the jail should be overly comfortable. Inmate accommodations will be simple and meet state codes.
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Who spends the most time in the jail?
It's the staff who manage the inmate population: 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.
Where will the new Jail and Sheriff's Office be located?
The new facility will be located in Fort Dodge. Multiple sites have been reviewed for fit and location, but a site has not been confirmed. We are not disclosing locations at this time to help protect the County from escalating land prices. Upon a successful referendum the County will begin the land acquisition process.
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Why does the capacity of the jail need to increase?
The existing jail has a capacity of 56 inmates. Webster County has a daily average of 75 to 90 inmates in custody. Because of this difference, the county is currently outsourcing inmates to five other counties and more than 1000 people are waiting to serve their 2 to 20 day sentences. Classification requirements of the Department of Corrections such as gender, juvenile, medical/mental health issues, misdemeanor/felony, etc. also contribute to maximum capacity meaning the jail could be partially full but considered 100% full due to classification rules.
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What is the cost of housing inmates at other county jails?
Over the last five years, approximately $1.4 million has been spent housing Webster County inmates at other county jails. Housing costs were $918,279 plus an estimated $560,000 in vehicle and labor expenses.
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What is the tax impact of this project?
Use this calculator and enter your parcel number to determine your estimated tax impact.
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Will the tax impact rate go up over the 20-year span of the bond, if my assessed value continues to go up?
No, the number will stay the same for the 20-year span.
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Can I get an absentee ballot?
You can learn more about absentee voting and get an absentee ballot request form on the "Voting" page of this website or visit https://sos.iowa.gov/elections/electioninfo/absenteeinfo.html
How can I confirm my vote was received and counted?
You can track your absentee ballot at: https://sos.iowa.gov/elections/absenteeballotstatus/search.aspx.
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