The Osage County Sheriff’s Office is nearing the end of its slate of community meetings ahead of a special election early next month.
County residents are reminded to keep several dates over the next two weeks in mind as residents will be voting on whether or not to approve the construction of a new law enforcement facility in Lyndon on Feb. 8. Upcoming meetings include:
Jan. 31, 6 pm: Burlingame City Library
Feb. 2, 6 pm: Olivet Community Building
Feb. 3, 6 pm: Vassar Community Building
Feb. 7, 6 pm: Osage City Community Building
Original plans were to have the question on last fall’s election ballot before officials decided they needed more time to get all affairs in the proper order. The current plan is to construct a new facility with 144 proposed beds, up from 30 currently available, and a facility that will house all aspects of law enforcement and emergency management.
Sheriff Chris Wells and Undersheriff Scott Brenner have noted on several occasions that the current facilities are in poor shape and need to be replaced. If approved, the new facility could cost upwards of $18 million and would be funded by revenue from holding inmates for other cities and counties.
Advanced voting on the question will be available beginning Monday. County residents can cast their ballots at the Osage County Courthouse between 8 am and 5 pm weekdays until noon on Fab. 7.
Regular polling locations will be open from 7 am to 7 pm Tuesday, Feb. 8.
For more information, call the Osage County Sheriff’s Office at 785-828-3121 or find the Sheriff’s Office Facebook page.
