NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS

Project Overview

The Houghton County jail project aims to replace the current facility, which is overcrowded and non-compliant with modern standards. The new jail is expected to have 60–80 beds, up from the current 28, to better serve the community’s safety needs. This initiative is vital for improving conditions for inmates and staff, especially given recent reports of housing 30–35 inmates, leading to increased safety concerns.

Public Support and Involvement

Public support is essential, particularly for funding through a potential millage proposal. Taxpayers can get involved by attending upcoming meetings:

• April 2, 2025, 6–7:45 p.m. at Portage Lake District Library, Houghton, for presentations.

• April 10, 2025, 6–7:30 p.m. at the Calumet Township Office, for an open house hosted by the township.

• April 15, 2025, 10 a.m. at the 12th Circuit Court  Courtroom, for discussing design plans and millage.

Additionally, you can view the detailed charrette report from February 2025 at this link to understand the project’s scope and options.

Background and Need for the Project

Houghton County’s current jail, built in 1963, faces significant challenges, as highlighted in the Master Plan Study Charrette held on February 18, 2025. The facility has a maximum capacity of 28 beds but has been overcrowded, housing 30–35 inmates recently, as noted by Sheriff Joshua Saaranen in a Mining Gazette article. This overcrowding has led to increased fights, suicide attempts, and safety risks for correctional officers, with the sheriff stating, “30 inmates is a lot for one or two [correctional officers] to help manage their time throughout the days.”

The charrette report, accessible at this link, details the jail’s deficiencies, including non-compliance with Michigan Department of Corrections standards, inadequate housing capacity (needing 51–80 beds based on projections to 2044), poor visibility, and outdated systems like fire protection and electrical. These issues necessitate a new facility to ensure public safety and meet legal requirements, directly impacting Calumet Township as part of Houghton County.

The proposed project aims to expand capacity to 60–80 beds, with options including new construction at the existing site or additions/renovations at a church site on Sharon Avenue, purchased in 2023 for $1.2 million, as mentioned in a Mining Gazette article from 2023. The church site is preferred for cost efficiency, with estimated costs ranging from $24.3 million to $38 million and construction timelines of 2.3 to 4.2 years, depending on the option.

Benefits for the Community

The new jail will enhance public safety by providing modern facilities for inmate classification, reducing overcrowding, and improving conditions for both inmates and staff. This is crucial for Calumet Township, as a safer jail supports the broader community’s well-being, potentially reducing costs associated with emergency measures and legal non-compliance. The project also considers long-term efficiency, designing for 40–50 years and exploring revenue from leasing beds to other counties, which could benefit taxpayers financially.

Community engagement is emphasized in the charrette report, with the Houghton County Sheriff’s Office mission statement highlighting collaboration with residents to improve quality of life. A committee questionnaire from January 13, 2025, rated jail-related programs like mental health and recidivism reduction as “Very Important” or “Extremely Important,” reflecting strong community priorities and support for the project.

Public Engagement Opportunities

Given the importance of public support, especially for funding through a potential millage proposal expected on the August 2025 ballot, as mentioned in a K-Bear 102 article, taxpayer involvement is critical.

• April 2, 2025, 6–7:45 p.m. at Portage Lake District Library, Houghton, for presentations.

• April 10, 2025, 6–7:30 p.m. at the Calumet Township Office, for an open house hosted by the township.

• April 15, 2025, 10 a.m. at the 12th Circuit Court  Courtroom, for discussing design plans and millage.

These meetings, detailed in a Mining Gazette article and the League of Women Voters Copper Country schedule at this link, provide opportunities for Calumet taxpayers to learn more, ask questions, and share feedback. The April 15 meeting, in particular, is a special session by the County Commission, with Chairman Tom Tikkanen encouraging community attendance, noting, “It’s going to be exciting.”

Additionally, the League of Women Voters, as mentioned in a myupnow.com article, is holding informational meetings, further supporting public engagement.

Conclusion

The new county jail project is a significant step for Houghton County, directly impacting Calumet Township taxpayers. By addressing overcrowding and safety issues, it promises long-term benefits for community well-being. Public engagement, through meetings in early April 2025 and access to detailed reports, ensures taxpayers can view and support the project, making their voices heard in this crucial decision. Encouraging attendance and review of materials will foster a sense of ownership and support, essential for the project’s success. Thank you for your time and consideration in this matter.