BEATRICE – The Gage County Board has voted to request proposals from consulting firms for design, siting and construction services for a proposed multi-custody correctional facility.


Board Chairman Erich Tiemann says it’s an early stage move.  "We're trying to ascertain if it is feasible to build, operate and own a new jail. Without some type of proposal and agreement, it's tough to move any further forward than where we are now."


Proposals from companies must be submitted by April 16th. The county in the past few months assessed needs of the county when it comes to corrections facilities.


Supervisor Gary Lytle says the hope is to narrow down alternatives. "What kind of facility we really want to narrow down, and look at...what are the needs inside of that facility, what are the costs going to be, what is the location....just start to look at a lot of specifics and kind of narrow it down. So, this is a very important step."


Several years ago, Gage County placed a bond issue before voters for a new jail, and it was soundly rejected. The county’s current detention facility dates back to the 1970s.


Gage County Board members Wednesday also approved giving notice to the City of Beatrice to start discussions regarding a new contract or contract extension on emergency dispatch services, provided through the city by Southeast Communications Dispatch Service.