County Council OKs jail funds despite crowd opposition

By Lucy Perry 
Indiana Central News

The Vigo County Council meeting ended on an angry note last night, when talks regarding funding for  the proposed new jail  moved forward without public input.

Several in the large audience sat with plenty of time to contemplate their words as they listened to council discussion, awaiting the three -minute time frame they'd finally be allowed to speak --- after Council President Bill Thomas informed them they would have to wait until the end of the meeting to be heard. 

One man expressed both disappointment and shock in not being able to speak before council action was taken --- facing the council members and simply saying, "Shame on you, shame on you."

Another man followed suit, describing what he had witnessed at the meeting as "anti-democratic."
 
The controversy centered around the planned construction of a new jail and alleged lack of transparency leading up to the council's action on a request  for $3 million to get the ball rolling on the project. Michael Wright, county attorney, expained that the deadline pressure of  lawsuits in connection to the overcrowding situation and the currently deteriorating structure make a new and modern design security complex imperative for the community.

After lengthy discussion within the council, the members voted 4-3 in favor of the Vigo County Commissioners  appropriation request of $3 million  --- amended from the initial request of $5 million.

Councilman Brendan Kearns noted the "consternation" in the audience, just before voting against the measure

"I'm struggling with the protocol; there is not public comment," Kearns said.

Thomas quickly argued there was public comment on "everything on the agenda," which prompted loud protest by the crowd, many exclaiming ,"No!"

​The money, which will come from Economic Development Income Tax (EDIT,) funds.  is reportedly needed in order to pay for the design phase of the new security center. Voting with Kearns in opposition were Councilmen Aaron Loudermilk and Tim Curley. .Council members Thomas, Kathy Miller, Jim Mann and Mike Morris voted in favor of the appropriation.

The commissioners had previously pin-pointed a desired location for the new jail to be on property located on Prairieton Road, the former International Paper site, which has been met with much opposition.

Public opposition is not only centered around the proposed location, but many in attendance said they're also concerned about the $68 millon cost of a buiding with plans  to accomodate nearly 530 inmates. They noted that programs are available for offenders, such as work release, substance abuse and mental health programs and questioned the need to more than double the number of beds the existing jail holds.

Audience member Ralph Leck said the county "deserves better" and should have more choices made available for consideration before spendng money on a project of this magnitude. He alleges  the county has been "railroaded" toward the existing plan.  He complained that the commissioners have not been open in jail discussions, especially by not making agendas and minutes available online.

Mike Gordon agreed, demanding transparency from officials.

"We want more information from you, we want more information from the commissioners --- we want more transparency in this process, before you allocate $1, let alone $3 million.

Commissioner Judy Anderson became defensive, stating the commissioners were unaware of the website/ information issue. 

In other business:

The council approved several other appropriations, including requests from building inspection, public defenders office, drug court, 911 and CASA.