The Dane County Jail has problems. Originally built in 1953, officials say it’s outdated, dangerous, and inhumane. It has lead pipes and asbestos. Locks get stuck shut. It has no medical beds or room for rehabilitative programs. 

County officials have been trying for years to find a plan — and the cash — to build a new jail, so they can finally close down the oldest units on the top floors of the City-County building. 

The county says they need an additional $14 million to seal the deal and build a six-floor, 825-bed building next to the County Courthouse in downtown Madison. Will taxpayers go for it? Costs are escalating by the minute. Meanwhile, the sheriff is shipping inmates to other counties, sometimes hours away, until a safer jail is built. 

We talk to Dane County Sheriff Kalvin Barrett about the controversial jail project — which, at a price tag of $167 million so far, is the most expensive in county history. 

Also, here’s a link to the Taking Control of Your Student Loan Debt webinar we mentioned!

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