Davison County has earmarked $100,000 in its 2026 budget to explore options for replacing its aging public safety building. The Davison County Commission approved this initiative unanimously, marking a significant step toward addressing the facility’s inadequacies. The projected budget for the county stands at $17.6 million.
Commission Chairman Randy Reider emphasized that discussions about the need for a new jail have been ongoing for the past couple of years. The current building, which was converted from a former hospital, has not been purpose-built to serve as a jail. Reider remarked, “I’m sure the architects designed it as well as they could back then. But with the age and condition of the building, we’re looking toward a new jail.”
The commission is in discussions with Sioux Falls-based Henry Carlson Construction about preliminary steps to draft potential options for a new facility. Henry Carlson, along with J.E. Dunn Construction, has previously completed significant projects, including the recent expansion of the South Dakota State Penitentiary and a jail expansion in Minnehaha County that added 400 beds.
Reider also mentioned the possibility of a partnership with the city of Mitchell. Some county commissioners have met with Mitchell Mayor Jordan Hanson, City Administrator Stephanie Ellwein, and Mitchell Police Chief Dean Knippling to discuss the potential for a joint facility. “They’ve indicated they’re open to having more discussion,” Reider stated, noting that a collaborative approach could enable the inclusion of features that might not be feasible individually, such as training facilities.
Key considerations for the new building include its capacity to house federal prisoners, which could provide a significant revenue stream through fees paid by the U.S. government. Davison County Sheriff Steve Harr highlighted that utilizing these fees could help offset some of the costs associated with constructing a new facility. This model has proven effective for Yankton County, which expanded its public safety facility in 2008 to include space for federal prisoners.
The current public safety facility, located at 1015 S. Miller Ave., houses the sheriff’s department, jail, state attorneys’ offices, and the county’s main courtroom. The facility has a maximum capacity of 72 inmates, but the realistic capacity is closer to 60 inmates. The county has faced ongoing challenges maintaining the aging infrastructure, necessitating regular updates to its mechanical systems.
The allocated funds will be used to hire a consulting firm that will assist in defining the next steps and developing a comprehensive facility plan. The commission aims to establish a clear strategy before engaging with the public on the project.
As discussions continue, the county remains flexible regarding the potential site for the new facility. Reider noted that if a partnership with the city is pursued, a different location may be required to ensure adequate access for emergency response. “A lot of the facilities that have been built around the state are close to a bypass or a major highway,” he explained, underscoring the importance of accessibility for operational efficiency.
In summary, Davison County is taking proactive measures to address the pressing need for a new jail facility. The allocation of funds signifies the beginning of a process aimed at enhancing public safety and operational capabilities in the region.
