Dane County Sheriff: 'Trust Me' on Jail Closing
The Dane County Jail has problems. Originally built in 1953, officials say it’s outdated, dangerous, and inhumane. It has lead pipes and asbestos. Locks get stuck shut. It has no medical beds or room for rehabilitative programs.
County officials have been trying for years to find a plan — and the cash — to build a new jail, so they can finally close down the oldest units on the top floors of the City-County building.
The county says they need an additional $14 million to seal the deal and build a six-floor, 825-bed building next to the County Courthouse in downtown Madison. Will taxpayers go for it? Costs are escalating by the minute. Meanwhile, the sheriff is shipping inmates to other counties, sometimes hours away, until a safer jail is built.
We talk to Dane County Sheriff Kalvin Barrett about the controversial jail project — which, at a price tag of $167 million so far, is the most expensive in county history.
Also, here’s a link to the Taking Control of Your Student Loan Debt webinar we mentioned!
Wanna talk to us about an episode? Leave us a voicemail at 608-318-3367 or email madison@citycast.fm.
Want some more Madison news delivered right to your inbox? Sign up for the Madison Minutes morning newsletter.
Subscribe To Our Newsletter
Latest Episodes
‘Blockbuster’ State Spending Deal Dies, Madison Home Prices Keep Rising, and Nuclear at Oscar Mayer?
State lawmakers put together a bi-partisan spending package this week that would have sent much needed funding to Wisconsin schools as we...
Hot Grilling Tips From a Madison Butcher
Memorial Day is right around the corner, which means it’s grilling season! Whether you’re heading to a cookout or barbecuing at home, we...
How 3 Madison Moms Became National Mental Health Pioneers
May is Mental Health Awareness Month. The National Alliance on Mental Illness takes this month as a chance to stand in community, recogni...
Ikea Is Coming! Plus Cap Times Unionizes and Grads Flood the Isthmus
Soon Madisonians won't have to drive for an hour to get some Swedish meatballs. That’s right, Ikea is coming to town! The opening date an...
Why Is Madison So Obsessed With Brandi Grayson?
Brandi Grayson isn’t one to shy away from conflict. She gained notoriety as a leader of Madison’s Black Lives Matter movement and is now...
'Your City Could Be Better': Philly's Bold Nightlife Experiment — Presented By City Cast Madison
Madisonians, would your city be better if the bars stayed open later? This summer, Philadelphia is anticipating a record-breaking number...
Center for Black Excellence and Culture Opens, Plus Park Street & Gov's Race Updates
On Wednesday, the long-awaited Center for Black Excellence and Culture opened to the public. The 37,000-square-foot building on West Badg...
What Makes a True Wisconsin Supper Club
Supper clubs and Wisconsin go together like fried walleye and beer. It’s a classic pairing, and for good reason. Whether you’re new to Ma...
Why Madison Is the Capital City of Ultimate Frisbee
Have you ever wondered about all those sporty folks who gather to throw frisbees on fields across Madison? They are probably ultimate pla...
Wisco Birder’s Tips for Making the Most of Spring Migration
Did you know that nearly a million birds flew over Madison last night? Warblers, orioles, thrushes, and so many more bird species are mig...