SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO AM) - The Minnehaha County Commission this morning approved a $46 million bond issue for a 320 bed expansion to the jail.
Sheriff Mike Milstead says it took four years to get to today.
Milstead joked that his goal was to avoid building the Milstead memorial jail addition. He credited the Commission for taking the extra time and steps to plan the project. He says it's important that the Commission feel assured about the importance of the new facility.
Milstead says it's also important for the safety of his staff, county staff, the public and of the inmates the county is tasked to care for.
He mentioned the county's bond status, a higher rating that benefits taxpayers with lower interest rates on bond sales.
Moody's recently assigned Minnehaha County an Aa1 rating, one of the best for local government in South Dakota. Moody's credits the county's current debt level in the reevaluation.
The bonds will be sold publicly in competitive bidding. A date has not been set.