Sac County leaders say a new partnership with Calhoun County could help offset the cost of a proposed $12.5 million jail bond heading to voters next month.
Sac County Attorney Ben Smith announced this week that Calhoun County Sheriff Pat Riley has committed to housing Calhoun County’s inmates in the proposed Sac County Jail—if the bond passes.
Calhoun County hasn’t operated its own jail since the 1980s and currently pays other counties to house detainees. Smith says the current Sac County Jail can’t safely accommodate those inmates due to its age and design.
Built 85 years ago, the Sac County Jail is the oldest in Iowa. It lacks modern security features, and multiple escape attempts have been reported in recent years. The facility also houses the county’s communications center, which former Sheriff Jonathan Meyer says is vulnerable to severe weather and in need of major upgrades. Newly appointed Sheriff Katie Stange says the jail project remains her top priority.
Under the agreement, Sac County would receive $65 per inmate per day—generating an estimated $122,000 annually and more than $2.4 million over the life of the 20-year bond. Smith says that revenue would continue beyond the bond period, creating a long-term funding stream for local taxpayers.
Officials warn that if the bond fails, Sac County could face more than $13.5 million in out-of-county housing and transport costs over the next two decades. Smith says those dollars would benefit other jurisdictions while offering no return to Sac County taxpayers.
Voters will decide the bond measure on Nov. 4. If approved, construction would begin promptly to avoid further cost increases tied to inflation and material prices.
