County evidence storage plan still on course

The Shawano County Public Safety Committee is unwilling to meet with the Public Property Committee until later to discuss evidence storage issues. Supervisor Bert Huntington said at the Public Safety Committee meeting Wednesday that he was interested in meeting with the Public Property Committee, but the timing seemed bad. He cited work due to begin on renovations to the courthouse basement that will create space for some evidence, such as computers and other technology equipment, as well as additional offices for detectives and an evidence technician. Huntington said he wanted to see how much space the renovation creates at the Sheriff’s Department offices before looking at further action to address evidence storage issues. “I think we should wait with setting a date until something gets rolling with the (courthouse) basement. Let’s get that under way,” Huntington said. “There’s no building going to happen this year no more.” Sheriff Randy Wright said the discussion cannot wait. He pointed out that the warehouse where marijuana plants and vehicles are being stored has a mold problem; to the point where it is a health hazard for department staff to be in the building for any length of time. Wright wants the county to build a new evidence storage facility, which the County Board approved as a capital project for 2013 but has not yet approved funding for it. The Finance Committee on Aug. 19 will consider a proposal to use $715,000 from the undesignated fund to build a facility next to the Huber Work Release Center. Wright told the committee Wednesday that the Braun Dairy building, which had been considered a potential site for evidence storage, is back on the market. An ad-hoc committee formed to study evidence storage options considered the site in early 2012, but it was rejected by the Public Property and Public Safety committees. Wright added that it was unlikely purchasing and renovating Braun Dairy would be cheaper than building a new facility, but he wanted the committees to consider it. “We need an evidence building. We need a proper evidence building, and not just a shed,” Wright said. “We need it now.” Supervisor Marvin Klosterman also was hesitant about the two committees meeting. “If one committee can’t agree on something, how can you get two committees to do it?” Klosterman said.