HOUGHTON, Mich. (WZMQ) – The Houghton County Board of Commissioners has decided on its new justice system millage.
After months of preparations, the board has decided on a proposed 32 million dollar millage spanning the next 30 years. This would set a 1.6 million dollar annual rate.
The millage would pay for the construction of a new jail facility, which will add more safety features for staff.
With the average jail capacity for a community this size standing at 50 inmates, the proposal would make space for 70. Houghton’s current jail system, which covers all of Houghton County, is well behind the average, with a maximum capacity of only 28 inmates.
“Think for those who want to make sure that the county is serious about crime, between prosecutors, judges, and the police departments in Houghton County,” said Commissioner Glenn Anderson. “If you’re for law enforcement and if you’re for putting people that need and deserve to be in jail, this is the opportunity to vote for that.”
The community will vote on the millage proposal on Tuesday, August 5.