Jackson County approves purchase of property for new detention center

     On July 12th, the Jackson County Legislature approved the purchase of a property to be the site of a new Jackson County Detention Center. Budgeted funds of $7,050,000 will be used to acquire the property located at 7000 E. U.S. 40 Highway.
     The site location meets all of the criteria established by the County’s consultant, JCDC Partners, LLC of Kansas City Missouri, including:
     At least 50 acres;
     Travel time distance of 20-30 minutes from both county courthouses and Truman Medical Centers;
     Ease of highway or arterial access and other forms of transportation including the bus line and transit opportunities;
    Surrounding area deemed safe and visible;
    Efficient and cost-effective facility operations;
     “Before today, we couldn’t directly contact the residents of the community,” Jackson County Executive Frank White, Jr. said. 
     “But now that we have completed this step, it allows us to reach out immediately to discuss our plans to take care of them appropriately, fairly and respectfully, which is my top priority. The County will be meeting and communicating directly with the residents in the coming days.”
     The County has allocated $240,000 in relocation costs and will, in addition, give $5,000 to residents in support of other associated expenses.
     County Executive White has tasked County Administrator Troy Schulte with overseeing the relocation efforts, as well as engaging the site location’s residents and broader community. The relocation will be managed by an individual third-party to ensure a fair process. Further details of the plan will be presented to the Legislature for approval within the next 30 days.
     “It’s exciting to have a path forward for a new Jackson County Detention Center,” said Jackson County Legislative Chairman Dan Tarwater, III, who represents the 4th District. “We are equally committed to treating the site’s residents fairly and equitably by taking care of their moving expenses.”
     Resolution 20721 authorized the County to purchase the site located at 7000 E. U.S. 40 Highway, which is approximately 107 acres, for approximately $7 million. For more information about the detention center project, visit www.jcdetentioncenter.com.