Ogle County officials heard an update report yesterday evening on the possibility of building a new jail in the future. The estimated cost of a new detention center is just over 27 million dollars.
Long range and strategic planning chairman Don Griffin of Oregon said that they are halfway through phase 1 of the project. He said the key issues right now are the number of beds and the location of the new jail in Oregon.
The county is looking at a facility that would have 180 to 200 adults beds along with 32 juvenile beds. It would be located on 2 or less acres in Oregon.
The current jail in Oregon has a capacity of 109 beds. Ogle County averages 139 prisoners a day. No construction date has been set on the project at this time.
A special use permit was approved last night for Michele Roberts dealing with a small rural business on South Woodlawn Road in Esmond. It will hold special events like weddings.
Ogle County officials approved a resolution in which they will take no position on the Great Lakes Basin Rail Line project. Board Chairman Kim Gouker of Byron said that the board needs more information on the railroad project before a final decision is made on if they favor or oppose the proposal.
Jeremy Ciesel has been named the new county engineer. He replaces Curits Cook who announced his resignation last February effective April 30th. Cook held the position for 24 years.
Ciesel has been with the county's engineering department for the past 5 years. He still needs to pass the state's certification exam to hold the position as engineer for the county.
Work on the west steps for the courthouse in Oregon should be completed by July 15th. The east steps will be done by September 30th.
