TRAVERSE CITY — The long-running debate over the future of Grand Traverse County’s aging jail is moving to the front burner at Wednesday morning’s meeting of the county commission.
Board members will discuss a preliminary proposal to replace the 61-year-old jail with a new “criminal justice complex” to be located on LaFranier Road at a potential cost of $50- to $60-million.
The resolution doesn’t commit funding to the project, but sets the groundwork for a multi-year development process, starting with a new steering committee that will “further study the matter and make recommendations to the entire commission.”
To gather public input on the new jail proposal “as a necessary and immediate first step,” the resolution calls for county administrators to hire “appropriate consultants” to manage that lengthy task.
MULTI-AGENCY COMPLEX
Building a new jail is just one part of a much larger vision, officials noted.
The resolution also proposes combining the new jail with new offices for the Sheriff’s Department law enforcement division, Traverse City Police Department, Michigan State Police and prosecuting attorney.
Simply renovating the existing jail at an estimated cost of $13 million “would not be effective” because of the age and layout of the facility, according to Deputy County Administrator Chris Forsyth: “Problems related to efficiencies, correction staffing issues, and the mental or physical health needs of inmates would continue.”
The current jail was built in 1964 to hold 85 inmates. Advocacy groups and law enforcement officials have talked about the sub-par conditions and inadequate infrastructure for more than a decade.
Sheriff Mike Shea has likened recent jail improvements to “Band-Aid” measures that do not address the underlying problems. Several local leaders met recently to identify options and they included Shea, Board Chair Scott Sieffert, Vice Chair T.J. Andrews, Prosecuting Attorney Noelle Moeggenberg and local judges.
If the resolution is passed Wednesday, commissioners would need to address questions such as: How would a new jail or criminal justice complex be financed? Would voters be asked to approve a multimillion-dollar bond issue? Where would the new facility be located on the LaFranier campus? Would the state police, city police, prosecutor and other agencies agree to occupy a common location? What would happen to the land where the current jail stands? What would happen to the law enforcement center on Woodmere Avenue?
Legal experts pointed out that the county sheriff’s main office must remain in Traverse City by state law, unless the county seat is changed to Garfield Township (where the LaFranier campus is located). Such a change, they say, is highly unlikely.
Beyond bed count
Today, the county jail houses about 150 inmates per day compared to a total capacity of about 191. Some inmates are sent to jails in neighboring counties because of a classification system that restricts where certain types of inmates can be housed — even when local beds are still available.
The vision for a new jail calls for 250 beds, including modern facilities to help manage those inmates with physical or mental health needs.
About 40 percent of inmates statewide have been shown to be severely mentally ill, according to Tom Bousamra of the nonprofit group called Before, During and After Incarceration. Many others struggle with substance abuse disorder.
On March 5, the county board voted unanimously to fund 24-hour on-site nursing coverage at the jail. In late 2024, the board added funding for a jail discharge planning officer and full-time social worker at the facility.
Courts, Camp Greilick and more
Wednesday’s county board agenda features several other issues.
Among them, commissioners will hear an updated presentation about Antrim County’s plan to withdraw from the shared 86th District Court, including the financial and staffing implications of that move.
If that plan is eventually approved by legislators in Lansing, the change would add $153,000 in annual costs for Grand Traverse County and about $6,000 for Leelanau County. Antrim County would then bear the costs of its own district court, but those estimates are not yet available.
On another matter, the GTC county board is expected to approve a “property business plan” for Camp Greilick, the newest addition to the county’s park system. Located in East Bay Township, the 196-acre property was acquired last fall after months of sometimes tense negotiations.
“This plan is to outline the vision, guiding principles, recommended uses identified by the (parks and recreation commission), and a phased approach toward opening the property to the public,” said Parks and Recreation Director John Chase in a memo to county officials.
“Following adoption, staff would continue the development of a strategic action plan detailing the steps to bring each phase online and the sequencing of those steps.”
Local officials said they expect Camp Greilick to open in five phases, possibly starting in late spring or early summer. Exact dates are yet to be announced, but detailed plans that incorporate months of public input are available on the county website.
In another agenda item, commissioners will review updated lease agreements for 851 Woodmere St. and 500 West Front St., incorporating input from their Jan. 15, regular meeting.
During two closed sessions, board members will discuss legal settlement and/or trial strategies for two unresolved legal cases: A lawsuit brought by the Bay Area Transportation Authority over the composition of the BATA board and a contract dispute with PACE North over the ownership and management of the PACE North building, as well as the Grand Traverse Pavilions’ financial investments in PACE North.
In new business, the county board is expected to review letters regarding the pedestrian bridge over U.S. 31 at Keith J. Charters Traverse City State Park.
The current plan from the Michigan Department of Transportation calls for the metal footbridge to be demolished and replaced by a signalized crossing. However, several local residents have expressed their concern about removing the bridge, given the high rate of speed along that stretch of highway. The records show that several pedestrians have been seriously injured while crossing U.S. 31 in that hotel zone, and at least one person was hit and killed.