New options for jail project could keep it closer to budget

Two new options for the Dane County Jail facilities could keep the project to $155 million or less, according to a Wisconsin State Journal report. Several versions of the project to increase capacity and renovate the Public Safety Building have come in far over the $148 million the County Board has approved for the project. One option is for a six-story tower with 904 beds and no renovations to the Public Safety Building, and this design is likely within the project’s existing $148 million budget. A second option maintains the seven-story tower and also does not include renovations to the Public Safety Building but creates 1,034 beds at a cost of roughly $155 million. Based on an analysis of the past, present, and projected future jail population levels, the county likely needs 876 beds.