BLACK CAUCUS ANNOUNCES AGREEMENTS TO MOVE DANE COUNTY JAIL CONSOLIDATION PROJECT FORWARD
April 19, 2023
County Board Supervisor Dana Pellebon, (608) 514-1718
County Board
Today, the Black Caucus of the Dane County Board of Supervisors along with Dane County Sheriff Barrett announced agreements on several items related to the jail consolidation project.
“In talking with the Black Caucus, the community, activists, and other members of the County Board, we were able to articulate to Sheriff Barrett important issues that needed to be addressed before moving forward on this vote. With these agreements, the Black Caucus feels comfortable moving forward on 2023 RES-013 to lessen the financial impact of this additional funding,” said County Board Supervisor Dana Pellebon (District 33).
The Black Caucus and Sheriff Barrett have agreed to the following:
1. The Black Caucus will vote yes on the funding resolution 2023 Res -013 that allows for a 20 year bond.
2. Sheriff Barrett will support removal of federal in transit prisoners from the current jail facility per 2022 RES-393. He will work with the US Marshalls to place the persons currently in the facility into other facilities in the surrounding areas by November 1, 2023.
3. Sheriff Barrett will support the transfer of Huber services to the Dane County Department of Human Services.
4. Sheriff Barrett will submit reports per Sub 1 2021 RES-320 as amended and continue current jail population reporting.
In addition, Sheriff Barrett and the Black Caucus collectively agree to the following policies.
1. Support for a Cares program similar to the program piloted in Madison that should be available county wide. The program should be researched for implementation throughout Dane County.
2. Establishing a mental health court, diverting people to the crisis center, and investment in expanding mental health wrap around services in our county.
3. Eliminate or greatly reduce solitary confinement use in Dane County.
4. Support changes in the expansions in alternatives to incarceration of youth. Coordinate with agencies to identify potential approaches for all youthful offenders to find alternative diversion programs and services for youthful offenders in lieu of incarceration.
5. Support funding for permanent supportive housing, recovery housing, expanded treatment options, and supportive services for people who have experienced frequent incarceration, hospitalization, and homelessness.