As we near its opening, we take a tour inside the new Itasca County Government Center.
The public is checking out the new Itasca County Government Center, which features a new jail and courtroom.
A new dental area will be created within the nurses' station. Codes and biometrics are used for vending services. Visits can be done via app or video call. And all the water can be controlled by computer. There is something called Vibe, which helps teachers share information with the entire prison through a special board.
Itasca County Commission Chairman John Johnson said the new jail will be 75,000 square feet. “This is one of the most modern and advanced in our region,” he said.
We have a mental health department, which is unique.
Sheriff Joe Dasovich said, “We are the only prison with a master's level clinical public health nurse in a secure facility. She is a member of our corrections team. Her job is to help people meet their needs. It’s about helping them get care.”
The upper courtroom is also modern and safer. And it was built with the pandemic in mind.
Judge Heidi Chandler added, “We can have all 14 jurors six feet apart. I believe we are the only court in the state that can do that.”
The roughly $75 million price tag is covered by a voter-approved 1% sales tax.
Official move-in is expected some time after next Friday's DOC inspection.
