Panel balks at evidence storage groundwork

Several Shawano County supervisors want to see work started on an evidence storage facility, even if it’s just erecting a fence and laying gravel around the proposed site. Supervisor Bert Huntington told his colleagues on the Public Safety Committee this week that he and three other supervisors — Ron Kupper, Sandy Steinke and Arlyn Tober — have toured the grounds behind the Huber Work Release Center with Sheriff’s Department officials to see what work could get done while supervisors determine how to pay for the $715,000 project. The fence and gravel would be “a first step to go and do something,” Huntington said. “Let’s get something going and get the groundwork done. It would be a step in the right direction.” The supervisors said the gravel work, estimated to cost $25,000 to $27,000, to be done by the Highway Department could be paid for with Ho-Chunk gaming compact funds. About $40,000 of the $82,500 allotment expected in 2014 has not yet been earmarked. The estimated cost for erecting a fence and stubbing in utilities has not been determined. The proposal would have to get past the Public Property and Finance committees before going to the County Board for consideration. The Public Safety Committee on Wednesday rejected Huntington’s motion, 3-2, for an informal recommendation of the work. Huntington and Kupper favored the recommendation, while Mike McClelland, Marvin Klosterman and Ken Capelle voted against. “I’m just not sure to even spend zip dollars if we’re not assured the next step is going to happen,” Klosterman said. “We’ve got sewers and ground that will go nowhere.” Sheriff Randy Wright said taking the step proposed by Huntington would help push supervisors to take action to complete the project. “If we get something going where the ground is broken and things are stubbed in, at least there would be light at the end of the tunnel,” Wright said. “I’m sure if we started with this this year, I don’t think they’re going to let the ground just sit there after it has been prepared. Something else is going to move forward.”