Graham Jaehnig/Daily Mining Gazette County Commissioner Tom Tikkanen (left), Sheriff Josh Saaranen (center) and County Commissioner Roy Britz talked at a public discussion on Tuesday, about the county’s absolute need for a larger, modern jail that meets current state codes and standards. Kicking the can down the road increases expense

Editor’s note: This is the final part of our two-part series that examines the issues and concerns surrounding the county jail facility.

HANCOCK – Houghton County’s need for a larger, modern jail facility that is compliant with Michigan Department of Corrections standards is not going away, it’s getting more expensive. A Tuesday public discussion on addressing the jail issue, took place at the Orpheum Theatre, in Hancock, hosted by the Copper Country League of Women Voters (LWVCC).

League Co-President Faith Morrison said a study came up with up four plans or charrettes for a new facility to be located on Sharon Avenue, in Houghton. Depending on the charrette and other details, the cost for a new facility, with approximately 60 beds, could range between $26 – $34 + million. The current millage proposal is estimated at 1.75 mills. That is an enormous cost increase over previously rejected jail millage proposals.

At Tuesday’s meeting, an audience member pointed out that county residents are already overextended financially, when factoring in mortgage payments, and millages for other projects, including the transfer station, medical care facility, as well as for schools.

“The base challenge I have is not a new jail, it’s I’m already paying a high mortgage, and that’s what you’re competing with, the commenter said. ‘So, you’re going to have to convince me and a ton of other voters that this 1.75 mills, probably 2 mills, that you’re going for is worth my tax bill increasing again – again, not just once.”

The commenter also suggested placing the proposal on the November ballot rather than August’s because November will have a higher voter turnout, and placing it on the August ballot will be trying to sneak it in.

“Your taxes will increase,” Tikkanen replied. “And nobody’s sneaking around. But I’m telling you — it will be on the ballot in August. And if it’s defeated in August, it’ll be on the November ballot. This jail has to happen for your own safety and welfare.”

County officials have been attempting to create a new facility since the Upper Peninsula Commission for Area Progress (UPCAP) released a U.P. Regional Jail and Facility Re-Use Study in January, 2010.

That study showed the Houghton County Jail does not comply with current Michigan Department of Correction standards, and poses serious liabilities for the county. Among the main issues with the current jail, built in 1962-63, which can house up to 28 inmates, is now too small. A 2010 millage for a $15 million complex including 110 beds, a district court and sheriff’s department was soundly defeated.

In the fall of 2018, voters narrowly rejected an $11 million proposal for a 55-bed addition behind the courthouse, with work camp beds relocated to the former jail space, which included closing the work camp, located at the airport.

Inadequate space at the current jail has been an increasing problem over the years. For instance, when the jail was built in 1962, Houghton County’s population was approximately 13,387. By 2025, that number has grown to 38,477. Since 2020, the county has experienced a 3.33% population increase.

During the same period, legislative actions have expanded criminal laws, creating more instances of arrest. For instance, in 2003, driving while intoxicated became an arrestable offense. A motorist can also be arrested for driving without a license on his person.

The 2010 UPCAP study found that that while in 2004, 7.1 percent of the daily population was female, just three years later, the daily population of females had risen to 13.5 percent. The jail was not originally intended to house such a large percentage of female detainees, and as a result, overcrowding has become the norm.

In June, 2016, the Daily Mining Gazette reported that with such extensive overcrowding, there can be situations and incidents that those who have not been incarcerated might not realize. Due to overcrowding, female inmates at times have had to sleep on the concrete floor. There is only one toilet in one female cell, making privacy nearly impossible.

In April, 2017, Brian McLean, then county sheriff, declared an emergency at the jail, due to overcrowding, pursuant to the county jail overcrowding act 325 Under the act, if the number of jail inmates exceeds 100 percent of the rated design capacity of the facility for seven consecutive days, the sheriff must inform the chief district judge, and each municipal court judge in the county, along with the prosecuting attorney, and the chairperson of the county board of commissioners.