County commissioners, council racing to beat deadline for new jail

What this episode covers

Last week, the Monroe County Commissioners again approved a purchase agreement to buy the North Park site for a new jail. The commissioners are trying to stay ahead of a deadline to make progress on building a new jail as outlined in a 2009 lawsuit settlement with the American Civil Liberties Union. It says that if the Monroe County Council doesn’t approve the new purchase agreement by May 29, the county could face another lawsuit from the ACLU. Read more: County commissioners and ACLU reach last ditch agreement The last time the commissioners agreed to purchase the land in the fall, the council refused to fund it, citing concerns about costs and a desire to keep the jail within city limits. The Bloomington City Council has also come out in opposition to North Park as the site for a new jail. Read more: Monroe County Council refuses $8M to buy new jail property After years of legal extensions and deteriorating conditions in the jail, Commissioner Jody Madeira says the county needs to find a workable solution now. “We stumble if we continuously look back over our shoulders,” Madeira said. “The 17-year history of this must be a hand on the back that shoves us forward and not a grip on our shoulder that holds us back.” On this week’s Noon Edition, we’ll discuss the latest on a new jail between the county commissioners and the county council and if they can avoid a potential lawsuit. Guests Julie Thomas, President, Monroe County Commissioners Trent Deckard, Monroe County Council, At-large Seth Mutchler, Care Not Cages