New Jasper Jail Building Nearing Completion

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Published on September 23 2022 11:05 am
Last Updated on September 23 2022 11:05 am
Written by Greg Sapp

Jasper County board members heard that the new jail building in Newton is nearing completion. 

A punchlist has been completed for the outside of the building; a punchlist will be created for the remainder of the building. An Open House will be scheduled prior to inmates being housed in the building.

Board members discussed establishing a standardized policy regarding non-union pay raises. The committee also discussed a four-day work week plan discussed last month and agreed not to support the plan. Members said County offices should all be open five days a week to provide the same level of service and to maintain consistency among all of the county offices. The four-day work week was discussed as a cost-saving idea.

Members heard that interviews have been completed for the Health Department Director's position.

The Board appointed James Nix as Ste. Marie Drainage and Levee District Commissioner and Donald Clark as Mint Creek Drainage District Commissioner. Board members also approved the appointment of LIndsay Wantuck as Jasper County Public Defender. 

The Board learned that health insurance rates will be going up nearly 17% for 2023 through the Hope Trust.

Improvements in the ambulance service were reviewed. The improvements are physical in some cases as far as cleaning out the service headquarters, acquiring improved equipment, radios and reclassified rigs, and making efforts to get out and interact with members of the community. Collecting on onpaid bills is also underway.

The Board also discussed the county's solid waste program and the need for additional revenue to keep the program going. There was discussion about either cutting costs or seeking a tax levy increase at the April election.