Dutchess Legislators Vote to Continue Jail Construction

POUGHKEEPSIE – In its meeting Thursday afternoon, the Budget Committee of the Dutchess County Legislature voted against rescinding $132.15 million in bonds for construction of a new county jail. On a straight party-line vote, the Committee’s eight Republicans defeated the measure, with all four Democrats voting yes.

“This is fiscally irresponsible,” said Legislator Brennan Kearney (D-Rhinebeck). “Without direct federal aid, the county government may be forced to lay off up to 420 employees, according to the County Executive. How can we approve devastating service cuts and at the same time launch a construction project that will add $10 million to the annual budget for many years?” Democrats argued that a much less expensive renovation of current space would free up scarce resources for other urgent needs.

Multiple Republican legislators expressed support for new and expanded programming in the jail. Minority leader Nick Page (D-Beacon/Fishkill) urged them to translate that verbal commitment into tangible action. “Let’s see those programs now for the general jail population,” said Page. “Since bail reform, the jail has lots of space and finally no staffing crisis. Why wait for 2024?”

The jail held an average of 138 people in June, in contrast to an average daily population over 400 three years ago. The proposed new jail would build space for 328.

“Republicans’ actions aren’t matching their words,” said Minority Leader Rebecca Edwards (D-Poughkeepsie). “Legislator Craig Brendli submitted a well-researched proposal tonight, asking the county simply to explore the possibility of creating a youth restorative justice program. ‘Youth courts’ are doing great work in Putnam and Kingston, but Republicans instantly tabled the bill without even allowing the sponsor to speak on its behalf. If a legislator claims to support better programs in 2024 but refuses even to explore one right here, right now, for youth in the community, what does that say?”

Several Democrats, including Legislators Barrington R. Atkins and Giancarlo Llaverias, urged the county to invest more in addiction treatment, mental health support, and other programs offered outside the jail, in preventative settings. In an audit last year of Project M.O.R.E., County Comptroller Robin Lois noted that such community-based organizations have a record of excellent results, with programs that cost a “fraction” of the expense of incarceration.

Prior to the meeting, Democratic caucus members and a coalition of local groups sponsored a demonstration at the county office building. Participants lined Market Street, standing six feet apart to ensure social distance, holding signs representing $1 million of the approximately $200 million taxpayer dollars needed to fund the project. Others brought signs proposing alternative budget priorities. Organizers distributed free masks.

Cosponsors included the Progressive Black and Latino Caucus, ENJAN (End the New Jim Crow Action Network) of Poughkeepsie, Nobody Leaves Mid-Hudson, Race Unity Circle, Stop the Violence; Celebrating the African Spirit; Hudson Valley Strong; Beacon Prison Action; Justice for Aleesa; Dutchess County Progressive Action Alliance, DSA of the Hudson Valley; Hudson Valley Chapter of the NYCLU; Equitable Futures, Inc; Act 18 Indivisible; Dutchess Democratic Women’s Caucus; and Dutchess County Democratic Committee.