Pocahontas County voters will decide the fate of a new law enforcement center in November’s General Election. Sheriff Steve Nelson says they need a minimum number of 18 jail cells to meet classification requirements.

The engineer thinks a suitable structure – that would also provide new office space and a tornado.

Nelson says the public will be asked to support the issuance of up to 8.5 million dollars in bonds in case bids come in higher. But only the necessarily amount will be collected.
He feels housing prisoners locally is still cheaper than the alternative.

Sheriff Nelson and the County Supervisors have been holding informational meetings around Pocahontas County. The bond issue needs 60 percent approval to pass.