April 6, 2010 Advisory Referendum Regarding

Building Plans for a New Jail or County Justice Center

Eau Claire County has been engaged in a space needs analysis and facility planning effort since 2002.  The space needs of the jail, law enforcement, courts and general government have been analyzed.  Many options have been studied and considered.

The county jail is currently located on the third floor of the county courthouse.  The jail has serious deficiencies.

Please read the following documents:

1.  Timeline

2.  Final Report of the Special Committee to Resolve Jail Space and Site Needs - April 8, 2009

3.  Final Report of the Select Committee to Recommend Justice Center Building Sites - February 2, 2010

For general information about community jails, please view this 23-minute video produced by the National Institute of Corrections, an agency within the U.S. Department of Justice:  

Regarding the impact on property tax levy rates of Alternative 1, there would be no additional property tax increase.  The County Board adopted a budget in November 2007 that included a property tax levy rate increase to meet the debt service requirements for paying off the $59.1 million construction bonds within 22 years.  No further increase would be needed to pay for Alternative 1.

Regarding the impact on property tax levy rates of Alternative 2, it is estimated that property tax levy rates would increase by approximately $.50 per $1,000 of equalized value.  As an example, the property tax rate on a $150,000 home would increase by $75 per year for 25 years.

The advisory question on the April 6, 2010 ballot is worded as follows: 

Which of the following alternative Eau Claire County building plans do you prefer (vote for one)?

Alternative 1:  build a new jail next to the current courthouse and remodel the courthouse.      

Alternative 2:  build a new county justice center for the jail, courts and sheriff's department at River Prairie or Highway 93 and 94.

Click here to view the breakdown of the election results on the building plan question (pages 12-13)

For more information, go to Updates on Eau Claire County Building Project