Officials in Lafayette County are considering a jail construction project. Preliminary estimates show that such a project could cost around $8 million as officials look for ways to rectify current facility deficiencies and anticipate future inmate needs. The existing county jail in Darlington was constructed in the late 1970s adjacent to the Lafayette County Courthouse. That facility is “wearing out” and sometimes lacks space to house all county inmates. From January through June, the county spent about $25,000 to house inmates in jails outside the county. Jail staff also lack the space to offer rehabilitation or educational programming. The county has hired Madison-based architectural firm Potter Lawson to develop a report that outlines several options. Proposals will be presented to the county board in coming weeks.
