Meetings begin Wednesday on Public Safety Center

     Winnebago County will host a series of informational meetings this fall about a new Public Safety Center to serve the County.

     Voters rejected a proposal this March, which called for a $5.25 million, 20,000 sq. ft. facility in Forest City. The building would have housed the Winnebago County Sheriff’s Office, E911 dispatch, Emergency Management personnel, and a 22 bed jail, along with space for possible use by the Forest City Police Dept.

     Following the vote, the Public Safety Center Committee went back to the drawing board to address concerns from voters. They have come back with a new proposal, which cuts back on the size and expense of the project.

     The new proposal calls for a $4.6 million, 16,500 sq. ft. facility, while the jail would remain the same size at 22 beds. The jail size is based on State requirements for the separation of inmates. This new plan does not include the Forest City Police Department, and the building would only be used by County personnel.

     The County has set a bond referendum on the new proposal for Election Day, November 4.

     Information about the proposal will be presented at meetings throughout the County in the weeks leading up to the election. Scheduled meetings include:

     • Wednesday, Sept. 24 – Buffalo Center, Heritage Town Center, 7:00 p.m.

     • Wednesday, Sept. 24 – Lake Mills, Helgeson Civic Center, 7:00 p.m.

     • Tuesday, Sept. 30 – Forest City, TSB Community Room, 7:00 p.m.

     • Wednesday, Oct. 1 – Thompson, Farm Bureau Meeting Room, 7:00 p.m.

     • Wednesday, Oct. 8 – Thompson, Thompson Public Library Community Room, 7:00 p.m.

     • Wednesday, Oct. 22 – Scarville, Community Room, 7:00 p.m.

     • Monday, Oct. 27 – Forest City, TSB Community Room, 7:00 p.m.

     The County plans to schedule more meetings in addition to these dates.

The Buffalo Center Tribune

The Buffalo Center Tribune
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Buffalo Center, IA 50424

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