Press Release
Payette County, ID – December 11, 2024 – The Citizen’s Committee for Payette County’s Master Facility Plan (MFP) process has issued its formal recommendation to the Payette County Board of Commissioners. The Committee’s recommendation supports a phased approach for the construction of a new jail facility on County-owned property near the old landfill, as well as the renovation of the existing Courthouse complex, to better serve the community’s growing needs and improve public service delivery.
The Citizen’s Committee, made up of six community members from various areas of Payette County and representing a range of demographics and interests, has worked diligently since July 2024 to evaluate the County’s facilities and identify long-term solutions. In developing their recommendations, the Citizen’s Committee worked closely with Clearwater Financial, a municipal advising firm hired by the County to assist with the Master Facility Plan (MFP) and Capital Facility Plan (CFP) processes. The Committee held two in-person meetings and three virtual meetings, and they toured County facilities, reviewed professionally prepared reports related to demographic and population projections, County department interviews, and space allocation and condition of existing buildings. The Committee also considered multiple scenarios and cost estimates related to both jail and courthouse facility needs.
“The Citizen’s Committee took a thoughtful and thorough approach to this process,” said Reece Hrizuk, a Citizen’s Committee member. “We understand the importance of ensuring that both public safety and public services can meet the needs of our growing community. After reviewing all the information and exploring the best options for the County, we are confident that our recommendations represent the most viable path forward.”
The key components of the Committee’s recommendation include:
- Building a New Jail Facility Offsite: The Committee has recommended that the County relocate the jail by building a new, modern jail facility offsite to address the ongoing challenges of overcrowding, deteriorating infrastructure, and the need for improved inmate safety and rehabilitation opportunities. This new facility is intended to meet the long-term needs of the County and accommodate future growth.
To prioritize the public safety of the community, the Committee recommends using a phased approach for building the new jail facility, beginning with a facility to accommodate 125 beds that contemplates a future expansion to a 250-bed facility.
- Renovating the Existing Courthouse Complex: In addition to recommending the construction of a new jail, the Committee proposes renovating the current Courthouse complex to better meet the needs of the public and improve the delivery of County services. This renovation would focus on enhancing the accessibility and functionality of the Courthouse while preserving the provided public services.
Throughout the MFP process, the Committee carefully considered a range of factors, including the County’s current and future population trends, the condition of existing facilities, public safety requirements, and the overall cost to taxpayers. After careful study and discussion, the Committee believes that this recommendation represents the most fiscally responsible and community-oriented solution.
“We are grateful to the Citizen’s Committee for their time, dedication, and input in this important process,” said Andy Creech, Payette County Sheriff. “Their thoughtful recommendations reflect the diverse perspectives of our community and will help guide us in making decisions that ensure Payette County can continue to grow and thrive.”
The next steps in the process will include reviewing the Citizen’s Committee’s recommendation with the Payette County Board of Commissioners, followed by public meetings and outreach to gather additional input from the community. The Board of Commissioners will then determine how best to proceed with the proposed projects, including potential funding options and timelines.
“We look forward to continuing the conversation with our community and ensuring that the final decisions reflect the needs and priorities of Payette County residents,” said Payette County Commissioner, Jennifer Riebe.
For more information about the Master Facility Plan process and the Citizen’s Committee’s recommendations, please visit the County website: https://www.payetteCounty.org/.
