Gogebic County Jail slated for $1.5 million in updates

By P.J. GLISSON

news@yourdailyglobe.com

Bessemer — A variety of improvements are now in store for the Gogebic County Jail, thanks to a vote last week by county officials to fund $1.5 million for the listed projects.

Members of the Gogebic County Board of Commissioners’ Finance, Budgeting and Auditing Committee discussed and recommended the action, which the board later approved.

The vote specified that funds will be allocated from the Local Assistance and Tribal Consistency Fund.

The U.S. Department of Treasury defines that fund as “a general revenue enhancement program that provides additional assistance to eligible tribal governments, eligible revenue-sharing counties and eligible revenue-sharing consolidated governments.”

In speaking for the county jail committee, Jail Administrator Trevor Jackovich addressed the needs of his facility to the county board’s finance committee.

Jackovich said that U.P. Engineering and Architects, based in Houghton, will assess needs and estimate costs in relation to plumbing updates and a roof drain.

County Administrator Juliane Giackino said that a separate company will be hired to address the replacement of the exterior steps and ramp that lead to the jail’s front door.

In other news at the Feb. 28 meeting, commissioners also voted to approve a 3-year contract, with a 3% annual increase in cost, among the Gogebic County Sheriff’s Office and the cities of Bessemer and Wakefield.

“We’ve had a very good partnership with the cities of Wakefield and Bessemer over the years,” said Sheriff Ross Solberg.

Commissioners also voted to pay $2,469.50, or one-half of the county’s most recent allotment of $4,939 from liquor taxes, to North Care Network, which is based in Marquette but also provides local services that include issues of addiction and mental health.

The county board’s next regular meeting will be on March 13 at 5 p.m. in the Gogebic County Courthouse.