1. JASPER COUNTY PHASE 2 JUDICIAL SYSTEM AND JAIL EXPANSION PROJECT
April, 2019

2. What has happened:
In 2015, Officials in Jasper County campaigned for a two phase infrastructure project for consideration.
Phase I consisted of:
Exterior renovations of the Carthage Courthouse
Construction of the Jasper County Juvenile Center
Phase II will consist of:
Construction of a new Courts Building in Joplin
Interior renovation of the historic courthouse in Carthage including security upgrades and additional courtroom
Expansion of the Jasper County Jail
1/4 Cent Sale-tax passed by voters in The sales tax expires in 2023 or when the project is paid off.
Phase I projects are on time and within budget.
Process was transparent
The county was fiscally responsible and good stewards of taxpayer dollars.

3. What are the issues?
The Jasper County Courts Building has significant structural and operational deficiencies which compromises the Judicial Branch’s ability to operate.
The Jasper County Jail is experiencing inmate overcrowding which puts tremendous stress on facility operations, workforce, and creates a potential liability for the county.
The Carthage Courthouse needs an additional courtroom, security upgrades, and interior refinishes.
“Review of Diversion Programming”
Specify in the US?

4. What are the issues? Jasper County Courts Building (Joplin)
Opened in 1975
In 1975, according to the Office of State Court Administrator, 2100 cases were filed with the court.
In 2017, 17,000 cases were filed with the court (a 700% increase since 1975).
Nearly 9000 people come to the Joplin Courts Building every month to seek resolution for legal disputes, handle legal matters, and conduct other county business.
Over the years, the courts building has been repurposed several times to accommodate growth; however, due to the growth in case load numbers, inadequate space exists which significantly hampers the judiciary’s ability to deliver justice.
The current building significantly reduces the county’s ability to provide a safe place for individuals and parties to resolve legal disputes, perform their civic duty to serve on juries, and conduct county business like paying taxes and voting.
The building is approaching 45 years old and is suffering from structural issues resulting from the number of individuals who use the facility on a daily basis.
“Review of Diversion Programming”
Specify in the US?

5. What are the issues?
No safe circulation for litigants, judges, or staff to courtroom
Inadequate public seating area for victims, litigants, and general public waiting for court
Mixing of litigants in lobby, corridors and bathrooms creates conflict outside of the courtroom
The public has to use the same hallways/stairway as inmates who are in custody
“Review of Diversion Programming”
Specify in the US?

6. What are the issues?
Inadequate room for Building Security checkpoint to keep weapons out
“Review of Diversion Programming”
Specify in the US?

7. What are the issues?
Building finishes are run down and not appropriate for court business
Inefficient/un-insulated building causing high energy bills
Structural issues (cracks in walls, floors, and foundation)

8. What are the issues? Jasper County Courthouse (Carthage)
The historic courthouse still provides functional space to conduct court hearings.
However, courthouse needs renovation to meet the needs of the judiciary.
Security capabilities are limited which comprises the county’s ability to provide safety and security to the public who come to the court to resolve legal disputes or to seek justice.
The courthouse lack appropriate number of courtrooms and jury assembly space to conduct trials.
“Review of Diversion Programming”
Specify in the US?

9. What are the issues? Jasper County Jail (Carthage)
Since 2015, the jail has exceeded maximum capacity. Capacity is 183; Last year’s average daily population was 233
This creates enormous strain on facility operations
Overcrowding prevents jail staff from appropriately classifying inmates, increasing the risk for fights and other disturbances which place deputies at risk
Overcrowding increases the risk of litigious action against the county
Inadequate visitation and other administrative spaces
Causes delays in the judicial process which negatively affects the court’s ability to administer justice.
“Review of Diversion Programming”
Specify in the US?

10. What are the issues? Jasper County Jail (Carthage)
The number of mentally ill and persons suffering from substance use disorder inundate the jail
Incarceration is extremely expensive and does not treat the underlying issue
Because inmates do not receive treatment, once they are released from jail, they often recycle through the system with is a burden on law enforcement, jail system, and the courts.
“Review of Diversion Programming”
Specify in the US?

11. Solution: Jasper County Courts Building
SITE PLAN
Construct a new courts building on the same footprint as the existing facility.

12. Solution: Jasper County Courts Building
The new facility will include:
Secure Parking
Secure holding areas

13. Solution: Jasper County Courts Building
The new facility will include adequate and functional space for:
Prosecutor Office
Public Areas
Jury Assembly Room
Clerks Office
Adm. Space

14. Solution: Jasper County Courts Building
The new facility will include adequate and functional:
Jury Rooms
Courtrooms
Judge’s Offices
Ability to sequester Jury

15. Solution: Jasper County Courthouse
Renovate interior finishes to preserve the infrastructure of the historical building
Add an additional courtroom which will allow additional hearings to be held
Security Upgrades to replace outdated systems

16. Solution: Jasper County Jail

17. Solution: Jasper County Jail
Expansion
77 Additional Beds
Allows for appropriate classification
Additional visitation space
Additional behavior health spaces
Multipurpose spaces for treatment and other services

18. Solution: Jasper County Jail
Expansion
77 Additional Beds
Allows for appropriate classification
Additional visitation space for attorneys and court officials
Additional behavior health spaces
Multipurpose spaces for treatment and other services

19. Project Funding
In 2016, the voters of Jasper County approved a ¼ cent sales tax.
The initiative was presented in two phases. First, to build a juvenile center in Joplin and renovate the exterior of the Carthage Courthouse. These projects are scheduled to be on time and on budget.
For Phase 2, voters will be asked to extend the current sales tax an additional 15 years. This is a continuation of the present rate and not an increase.
The tax would sunset in 2038 or whenever the projects are paid off, whichever comes first.
The sales tax is estimated to generate approximately $4 million annually.
Nearly 2/3 of the revenue generated for these projects will come from people outside of the county who spend money when working or visiting the county, thus placing less of a burden on the citizens of Jasper County.

20. Questions & Discussion