Yuba orders sheriff's facility study

Yuba County supervisors say they like the idea of having a new, centrally located Sheriff's Department facility in the south part of the county.

They also want it built without touching any of the county general fund, relying instead on impact fees or other one-time monies.

Population growth, combined with a lack of existing space for expansion inside the Yuba County Courthouse in Marysville, prompted officials to consider a new building.

The project could cost between $9 million and $12 million, said Sheriff Virginia Black.

“It's a little cramped, and we have no room to expand,” she told supervisors Tuesday. “It would just be nice to go out and have our own facility.”

No site has been picked, and no plans were presented.

Supervisors told county staff to gather more information on the feasibility of a new facility and report back.

The Sheriff's Department is currently spread across 20,000 square feet on three floors in the courthouse, said County Administrator Robert Bendorf.

Patrol cars are parked outside the building along Marysville streets, and there is too little space for training and community meetings, Black said.

“The lack of training space is deplorable,” she told supervisors.

A $2.5 million to $3 million makeover would not solve the problem, she said.

“It wouldn't help because as soon as we move in we'll be stretched beyond (capacity),” she said.

Aside from the lack of space inside, Marysville wants the parking spaces available for the public. Black added there is no secure parking area for patrol cars.

The department moved into the courthouse when the building was built in 1962. A new facility would serve the county for the next 20 to 40 years, said Bendorf.

“I think it's something we have to do,” said Supervisor Don Schrader.

Supervisor John Nicoletti agreed.

“There's a hundred benefits that will occur on a daily basis,” he said.

Supervisor Hal Stocker said a new facility will be great in an accessible location where the bulk of the population lives. He also wants to be sure it can be built without money from the general fund.

Supervisor Mary Jane Griego supports the idea for a new jail, but said the county should proceed with the public's best interests in mind.

Supervisor Dan Logue also supported a new facility.

An ongoing state court case could ultimately restrict courthouses for court uses only, so the Sheriff's Department might have to find a new home anyway, she said.

The move would only affect the Sheriff's Department, not the jail, Black said. The jail was remodeled 12 years ago and should be adequate for years, she said.

Appeal-Democrat reporter Daniel Witter can be reached at 749-4712. You may e-mail him at dwitter@appeal-democrat.com.