County, Anamosa to explore joint law enforcement facility

     The Jones County Supervisors seemed to be agreeable to the proposed concept of a joint law enforcement facility housing the Jones County Sheriff’s Office and the Anamosa Police Department.

     During the board’s Aug. 21 meeting, Anamosa City Administrator Jacob Sheridan and new Anamosa Police Chief Jeremiah Hoyt met with the board to discuss the possibility.

     Sheridan previously visited with Sheriff Greg Graver about the idea, and informed the board that Graver felt it was worth looking into.

     “We originally looked at the possibility of rehabilitating the old hospital for use of an law enforcement facility,” said Sheridan, “but it’s not worth the money to study any further. It is my opinion that we would benefit from a new facility.”

     The City of Anamosa purchased the old Jones Regional Medical Center in Anamosa. Sheridan said the building has major expenses associated with it, as well as space concerns.

     Sheridan said he received two quotes to conduct feasibility studies: one at $16,000 and one at $26,000. He said the proposal would be a cost savings between Anamosa and the county.

     Sheridan said a new facility would not only house the APD, but the Sheriff’s Department, the jail, 9-1-1 communications (dispatch) as well.

     “I wanted to get the discussion started and get your thoughts on the process,” he asked the supervisors.

     Supervisor Wayne Manternach asked if the feasibility study included identifying the right location for the facility. He said last August, Mike Deutmeyer, with Weber Stone, presented an option for a joint law enforcement facility on property Deutmeyer owns behind the Anamosa library.

     “That could potentially work,” said Sheridan. “But we’re not necessarily set on that location. We’re studying others as well.”

     Supervisor Joe Oswald said he spoke with Graver, and shared that Graver was behind the study.

     “There are a lot of positives having the APD and Sheriff together,” voiced Supervisor Jon Zirkelbach. “There’s the possibility of sharing staff and employees.”

     Hoyt said the county jail does not meet the county’s needs in terms of size, another reason to explore new construction. Earlier this year, the Warren County Jail was shut down.

     “Our jail is on the short list of getting shut down,” commented Manternach. “That’s what I’ve heard.”

     “We need to weigh the pros and cons of a potential location right now,” said Sheridan. “There are so many variables, and we need to narrow down our options before we take it to the public.”

     The supervisors were in favor of splitting the cost of the feasibility study, though wanted some more time to think it over. Sheridan said he would need a definite answer by the end of September.

     “I think our consensus is that this is something we’d be happy to pursue, get some estimates and realistic information in front of us,” said Manternach.

     Hoyt also agreed. “We need to at least take a look at something. Our facility is leaking and has water issues.”