I believe the Lucas County Commissioners are making a mistake by voting not to build a new jail. The cost of new is better than trying to fix what is outdated. Chances are it will cost just as much or more to renovate the existing structure. Sheriff Navarre is correct in his comments that the commissioners’ short-sightedness will end up costing county taxpayers in the long run.
In addition, where are the prisoners going to be housed during the renovation? Have the commissioners considered what it will cost to house those prisoners at the regional jail or one of the surrounding counties? It will not be cheap. Eighteen million dollars have already been spent and a location downtown identified. Build the jail. It will provide better security for the jail staff and the prisoners.
JAMES WIEGAND…