VALLEY CITY, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – The Barnes County Commission held two informational meetings on February 5th to accept public input about the proposed jail. The estimated cost to build a new jail is $11.9 million and additional $4.4 million for a sheriff’s office.

Several people asked what the monthly or yearly cost would be to run the new jail. County officials had no answer but said they will work to get the estimated cost.

Some people believe the issue should be voted on before any decision is reached. Dean Ross supported a public vote.

Barnes County Commissioner John Froehlich supports building a new jail and listed a few reasons why it should be built.

Under the proposed plan, a jail and law enforcement center would be built east of the existing National Guard facility along the I-94 frontage road in Valley City. But several residents questioned why the jail would be built on prime commercial property being a jail is a tax exempt facility.

In 2019, the Dept. of Corrections said the 112 year old jail is unsafe for staff and inmates and no longer meets the state required standards.