The public offered a new idea for the law enforcement center.

Build a new one.

At a public input meeting Tuesday hosted by Webster County Supervisor Bob Singer, constituents listened to the arguments for building a new jail.

The supervisors have been considering two options: Renovate the third floor jail on the LEC or build a new jail.

None were opposed to constructing a new jail; in fact, when a straw poll was taken by Singer, nearly 70 percent of the 15 people in attendance were in favor of constructing a new jail.

"It's due diligence to the taxpayers not to fix up the third floor jail in the LEC because it's a bad design and we'll be back up there repairing it in another 20 years," said "Barney" Patterson, who will begin serving a term on the Fort Dodge City Council in January.

"If you're really looking at long term the only option is to build new."

However, as the conversation, progressed others voiced support for a completely new LEC, not just a new jail.

"I think the entire LEC isn't functional," Steve Kersten said. "It doesn't serve the public properly. The attorney client room is only one, we've had an accident in the courtroom and it's a terrible design. My vote is for a new facility. Put that $4 million toward a new building, or we'll be paying for more repairs down the road."

Singer said this was an option the supervisors hadn't discussed because the county engineer said the building was structurally sound.

"Structurally sound is different than functionally usable," Terry Allers said. "Just because it can stand up doesn't mean it's a good building."

Kersten also pointed out there is a movement to consolidate a lot of courthouses in the state. He feels Fort Dodge would be a logical place for surrounding county services to merge.

"I'm not aware of any county mergers at this point," Singer said.

"I think you need to think outside of the box 20 years down the road," Kersten said. "And plan to be a regional center. Our clerk is already in charge of four counties. I think you ought to look at this proactively and plan ahead of the curve."

Singer welcomed the open discussion and promised to bring the suggestions to the board.

"What I'm gleaning from this is that you want us to look at a new LEC," Singer said.

Singer added he was inclined to bond for the cost of the new jail personally because the county is "maxed out on taxes."

However, there is federal stimulus money for "green" construction that the county is considering.

"But, it's probably not a good idea to depend on the federal government for money right now," Singer said.

According to Singer, the Board of Supervisors will hold a public hearing on the jail options Nov. 17, and the following week the supervisors are scheduled to take action on the project.

Contact Lindsey Mutchler at (515) 573-2141 or lindsey@messengernews.net