Amador County – The Amador County Board of Supervisors agreed Tuesday to request reductions in the amount of matching funds they must provide if they are to accept AB900 funds to build a new county jail. The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation granted a conditional award last November in the amount of $22.7 million that requires a 25 percent match by the County. If all goes as envisioned, the new state-of-the-art facility would be constructed on the former 201-acre site of the Wicklow Way development project, which the county purchased for $1.8 million last October after the housing project faltered. In a memorandum, General Services Association Director Jon Hopkins said the County’s $1.8 million land purchase “increased the unfunded portion to an estimated range of $15.9 to $16.2 million.” Hopkins reminded the board that there are a number of potential complications that could prevent or delay the County’s apportionment, including sale of State bonds, the State’s credit rating, specific requirements as to where and for what the money is used and a commitment to fully build should the funds be accepted. He said “full commitment from the State occurs when they sell the bonds, not anytime sooner.” Speaking directly to the board, Hopkins said monies would come in on a quarterly basis depending on the amount spent, so the amount received would change with every four to six month period. Chairman Brian Oneto questioned how they could proceed with a project if they have no ability to provide matching funds. “I don’t see any way to make this palatable with the economic times we are in,” he said. Sheriff Martin Ryan made a strong show of support for the proposed facility, saying it will enhance security and prevent overcrowding. He said the current jail facility is far beyond capacity and understaffed. “Right now we’re trying to make a decision based on fuzzy math because we’re not sure what the (State) is going to do,” he said. The Supervisors questioned what additional costs for staff and other infrastructure may be incurred during the transition between the old and new facility. Ryan said additional staff would eventually be needed, but technological advances at the new jail would cut long term costs down. He said “we must show determination because there is a real need for a jail facility in this county.” Hopkins suggested the board “do nothing, take this back to staff and then see where it goes.” The board unanimously approved a motion to direct staff, specifically Ryan and Hopkins, to meet with the Corrections Standard Authority board to request a reduction in the County’s in kind match requirement. Story by Alex Lane This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. -
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Amador County – The Amador County Board of Supervisors agreed Tuesday to request reductions in the amount of matching funds they must provide if they are to accept AB900 funds to build a new county jail. The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation granted a conditional award last November in the amount of $22.7 million that requires a 25 percent match by the County. If all goes as envisioned, the new state-of-the-art facility would be constructed on the former 201-acre site of the Wicklow Way development project, which the county purchased for $1.8 million last October after the housing project faltered. In a memorandum, General Services Association Director Jon Hopkins said the County’s $1.8 million land purchase “increased the unfunded portion to an estimated range of $15.9 to $16.2 million.” Hopkins reminded the board that there are a number of potential complications that could prevent or delay the County’s apportionment, including sale of State bonds, the State’s credit rating, specific requirements as to where and for what the money is used and a commitment to fully build should the funds be accepted. He said “full commitment from the State occurs when they sell the bonds, not anytime sooner.” Speaking directly to the board, Hopkins said monies would come in on a quarterly basis depending on the amount spent, so the amount received would change with every four to six month period. Chairman Brian Oneto questioned how they could proceed with a project if they have no ability to provide matching funds. “I don’t see any way to make this palatable with the economic times we are in,” he said. Sheriff Martin Ryan made a strong show of support for the proposed facility, saying it will enhance security and prevent overcrowding. He said the current jail facility is far beyond capacity and understaffed. “Right now we’re trying to make a decision based on fuzzy math because we’re not sure what the (State) is going to do,” he said. The Supervisors questioned what additional costs for staff and other infrastructure may be incurred during the transition between the old and new facility. Ryan said additional staff would eventually be needed, but technological advances at the new jail would cut long term costs down. He said “we must show determination because there is a real need for a jail facility in this county.” Hopkins suggested the board “do nothing, take this back to staff and then see where it goes.” The board unanimously approved a motion to direct staff, specifically Ryan and Hopkins, to meet with the Corrections Standard Authority board to request a reduction in the County’s in kind match requirement. Story by Alex Lane This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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