Frequently Asked Questions
Costs, Bond Funding & Voting
The bond amount is $105 million, repayable over 20 years.
No. The Public Safety Facility is funded through a separate capital improvement budget that has been in development since 2017. Flathead County’s long-standing policy is to separate capital investments from operational funding, ensuring stable, long-term support for frontline services, such as patrol and emergency medical.
Most inmates in the county jail are awaiting trial and are legally presumed innocent. Others are serving short sentences (less than one year). Unlike prisons, which house convicted individuals, county jails must meet constitutional standards for due process, safety, and basic humane conditions. Failing to do so opens the county to lawsuits and court intervention.
Potential Long-Term Costs if We Don’t Act:
Escalating maintenance expenses on a crumbling, outdated facility.
Increased legal liability from overcrowding, unsafe conditions, and civil rights violations.
Staff turnover and burnout, leading to higher recruitment/training costs.
Inefficient justice system, with court delays, early releases, and repeat offenders.
Rising crime rates, as the system fails to deter or rehabilitate offenders.
We’d be paying more and getting less.
Long-Term Benefits of Building Now:
Improved public safety — offenders are held accountable, and law enforcement stays focused on prevention.
Safe, modern workspace improves staff morale, retention, and recruitment.
Integrated services —jail and law enforcement services integrated into one location, providing space for the Flathead County Sheriff’s Office and support staff.
Built for growth — the new facility is designed to scale with population, avoiding costly band-aid fixes.
Lower long-term taxpayer burden — proactive investment now avoids massive costs later.
Bottom line: We either invest now, or keep paying more for a failing system.
The final cost to taxpayers is significantly lower than originally projected. Early estimates were around $33 per $100,000 of assessed home value annually. Thanks to value engineering, that figure has been reduced to approximately $12 per $100,000.
Delaying construction only increases the cost. Inflation in materials and labor, combined with growing legal risks from overcrowding, means that waiting will cost more in the long run. Flathead County has already shaved nearly $25 million off the original estimate through value engineering. Acting now is the most fiscally responsible option.
The exact interest rate isn’t known until the bond is sold. If voters approve it, the rate will be locked in at that time and will remain a fixed payment for the full 20-year term.
No. The bond will be paid off in 20 years. Once it’s repaid, that portion of the tax goes away.
By law, the funds can only be used to design and build the new Public Safety Facility. All spending is tracked through public bidding, contracts, and annual audits. All finances related to bond spending are public information.
No. The bond covers construction costs only. Wages and benefits are paid from the County’s regular operating budget.
No. Daily operations—like staffing, utilities, and maintenance—are funded through the existing County budget, not through another bond.
Your share of the bond payment is based on your property’s taxable value relative to all other property in Flathead County.
If your property value increases faster than others in the county, your share of the bond payment will go up.
Then your share of the bond payment will go down, because you represent a smaller slice of the total countywide value.
Yes. When new homes or businesses are built, there are more taxpayers to share the cost, which will reduce the amount each property pays.
The county does not control assessments. Property values are determined by the Montana Department of Revenue and reflect market conditions.
Yes. Second homes and short-term rentals, like VRBOs, are already part of Flathead County’s tax base. Starting in 2026/27, though, the way they’re taxed will change. Instead of being grouped with regular residential homes, they’ll move to a fixed rate of 1.90%. Since Flathead County has many second homes and vacation rentals, this shift means they’ll make up a larger share of the overall property tax base than they do today.
Facility Design, Features & Benefits
The site was selected because it met several critical criteria: it was available for purchase, can easily be connected to Kalispell municipal utilities, and provided sufficient space and setbacks from neighboring businesses. These factors help reduce development costs, avoid disrupting residential neighborhoods, and ensure long-term viability for public safety operations.
No. The design will be modest and functional, not extravagant. That said, modern construction—especially for secure, 24/7 operations—is inherently expensive. Much of the cost stems from building a safe, code-compliant environment for a population that cannot self-evacuate in emergencies.
No. The current jail was designed for a much smaller population and is structurally and operationally maxed out. Maintenance costs are rising, and safety concerns continue to grow. Patching the old facility is no longer viable. It is more cost-effective and responsible to build for the next 50 years than to keep spending money on short-term fixes.
Not at all. This is not a cosmetic update, it’s a full-scale capacity and operational expansion. The current jail is overcrowded and outdated. The new facility will double jail capacity, while also integrating other essential services, including sheriff’s operations, detectives, emergency services, and courts, improving safety, coordination, and long-term cost efficiency.
The new facility prioritizes safety from the ground up. It replaces the current jail’s blind corners and linear hallways with a direct-supervision layout, where officers have clear, continuous visibility of inmates. Each housing unit will have its own secure control room with panoramic sightlines. The design also includes tamper-proof lighting, flush-mounted ventilation grilles, anti-ligature fixtures, and self-controlled water shutoffs to prevent flooding — a constant issue in the current jail. Together, these features protect both staff and inmates while improving daily operations.
The new Public Safety Facility will house up to 260 inmates, more than doubling the County’s current safe operating capacity. That includes:
200 beds in general population pods (grouped for classification and security level)
42 beds in a special housing unit for medical, detox, and mental health needs
18 beds in inmate worker pods (9 for men, 9 for women) This breakdown allows the County to manage inmates safely based on gender, risk level, and health status — something our current 1987 layout simply can’t do.
The new facility includes a dedicated medical and mental health housing area, equipped with isolation rooms, medical exam space, and staff offices for treatment providers. These 42 specialized beds will allow individuals in crisis to be safely housed and stabilized while awaiting transfer or treatment — rather than taking up space in general population. This design helps protect staff, preserve bed space, and ensure humane care for those with serious health needs.
The current jail forces officers to work in tight, outdated spaces with poor visibility and unreliable systems. The new facility gives detention officers modernized control centers, clear sightlines, and separate corridors for staff movement — reducing exposure to inmate areas. New ventilation systems, natural lighting, and safer transport routes make every shift more secure and less stressful. These upgrades directly improve morale, retention, and overall safety.
Yes. The new design includes multi-use program space that can host life-skills training, parenting classes, faith-based support, counseling, and substance-abuse recovery sessions. These programs help inmates use their time productively and reduce the likelihood of reoffending after release. By building space for these services directly into the design, we’re creating a facility that supports accountability and rehabilitation.
Absolutely. The Snowline Lane property includes 115 acres, but only about 20–25 acres will be developed initially. The building layout is modular, meaning future housing units or support spaces can be added as the county grows — without disrupting ongoing operations. Planning for expansion now prevents the County from facing another costly rebuild in 20 years.
The current jail is a “linear-style” design, full of blind corners and obstructed views. This layout increases the risk of violence and limits our ability to safely manage higher populations. The new design addresses these flaws with improved visibility, better supervision, and safer conditions for both inmates and detention staff.
The new facility will use jail-grade, low-maintenance materials such as sealed epoxy floors, stainless-steel fixtures, and reinforced concrete designed to withstand heavy use. These materials resist corrosion, odors, and water damage — problems that constantly plague the 1987 jail. The automated plumbing system also features individual water shutoffs to stop intentional flooding, saving taxpayers thousands in cleanup and repair costs every year.
Yes. While a jail itself doesn’t stop crime, a functional, properly sized facility ensures offenders are held accountable and connected to programs that reduce reoffending. That’s how communities like ours build long-term safety — not just through punishment, but through prevention and stability.
Safer communities.
Ability to house more inmates.
Safer work environments for local staff.
Increased distance between inmates and workers.
Better outcomes for inmates and correctional staff.
The new facility will reduce overcrowding and early releases, meaning offenders are held accountable and repeat offenders aren’t cycled back onto the streets. That alone creates a safer community.
It also gives law enforcement the space and tools to respond to crime more effectively — not just react to crises. For detention officers, it means a safer, more secure working environment, which improves staffing, morale, and response times.
When the justice system functions as it should, our entire community benefits.
Unlike the current jail, which has a one-car sally port, the new facility will feature a multi-vehicle transport bay large enough for several patrol cars or vans at once. This area will be fully enclosed and secure, protecting both officers and the public during inmate transfers. A centralized booking and intake area will streamline processing and reduce inmate movement through the building — improving safety, efficiency, and workflow.
Dedicated medical and mental health housing areas mean individuals in crisis can be cared for without being mixed with the general population, reducing the risk of harm to themselves or others. Staff will also have access to on-site medical and behavioral health professionals to assist.
A well-designed jail prevents violence and medical emergencies — but it also gives officers the visibility, control, and communication tools they need to keep everyone safe. When safety is built into the design, it reduces incidents inside and improves law enforcement response outside.
The jail will be built in an industrial area with secure perimeters and controlled access, far from residential zones. There will be no public foot traffic or inmate activity outside the secure perimeter. Its location and design ensure it operates safely and quietly — without disrupting surrounding properties.
The new design includes separate public access areas for visiting and attorney meetings, isolated from inmate housing and movement routes. This ensures safe, private, and secure visits without disrupting daily jail operations.
Safety, Security & Community Impacts
Legal & Judicial Process
Jail overcrowding plays a major role in release decisions. Judges often must evaluate the available space when setting bond or considering pre-trial detention. If the facility is full, some suspects may be released—not because of their risk level, but simply to make room. A larger facility gives the justice system more flexibility to hold offenders when appropriate.
When the jail is full, judges sometimes have to release defendants early or delay sentencing simply because there’s no space left to hold them. That slows down justice for victims and weakens accountability. A larger, modern facility gives judges the flexibility to make decisions based on the law — not available bed space.
No. The goal isn’t to hold people longer — it’s to hold the right people safely until the court process is complete. Many inmates are awaiting trial and legally presumed innocent. The new facility ensures the County can uphold due process without overcrowding or early releases.
A properly functioning jail allows law enforcement and the courts to follow through on consequences for repeat offenders. Combined with in-custody programs like counseling, recovery support, and life-skills training, it also gives people a chance to break that cycle.
When offenders are released early or court cases are delayed, victims often feel like justice hasn’t been served. Reducing overcrowding restores faith in the system — ensuring that victims see real accountability and that justice can move forward without interruption.
Most are not. The majority of individuals in the County jail are awaiting trial or sentencing. They’re legally presumed innocent until proven guilty. That’s why the County is legally required to provide a safe, humane detention environment that protects everyone’s rights.
Without adequate space, the County faces increasing risk of lawsuits, court-ordered population caps, and federal intervention — which can cost taxpayers far more in the long run. Building a new, compliant facility now helps prevent legal liability and protects both public safety and taxpayer dollars.
Counties can — and frequently do — face lawsuits when their detention facilities fail to meet minimum constitutional standards for inmate safety, medical care, or overcrowding. These lawsuits can be filed by inmates, families, or outside agencies (like the ACLU or the U.S. Department of Justice) if conditions are found to be unsafe, unsanitary, or unconstitutional.
The 1987 jail is overcrowded, outdated, and not built to today’s codes — which means it risks violating constitutional requirements for humane conditions, medical care, and inmate safety.
Yes. If conditions are found to be unsafe or unconstitutional, the County could be ordered by a court or the Department of Justice to make immediate, costly upgrades — even without voter approval. That’s why planning a safe, code-compliant facility now is the more responsible option.
Patching might delay the problem, but it doesn’t fix it. Continued overcrowding and structural failures could eventually lead to court intervention, lawsuits, or loss of operational control. Building a new, purpose-built jail is the only long-term, legally sound way to protect both the County and its citizens.
Inmate Services & Rehabilitation
Inmates at a county jail have been charged with a crime and are awaiting trial or sentencing. Inmates have the right to a fair and speedy trial and are innocent until proven guilty. Some inmates are serving short-term sentences, typically less than one year.
At a state prison, inmates have been convicted of a crime and are serving a long-term sentence.
Mental health support is essential for many inmates. Detention officers and other jail staff work to ensure that each individual has access to necessary resources and opportunities for success upon leaving the county jail.
We can’t give involuntary meds in the jail, so individuals who come to us off their meds are with us long-term until they can get to the state hospital. These are individuals who are not safe to be in the community.
Mental health inmates require more staff attention. They have rights, and it takes time to get them to the appropriate facility. There is a huge backlog and a long wait for beds.
By having a designated space for them, they don't detract from the available beds, unlike current situation.
. We need to improve mental health management while they are waiting to go to the state hospital.
Inmates who are waiting here for trial would be offered programs to help them better themselves while they are here. Life Skills such as writing a resume, how to interview, parenting classes, drug/alcohol and Mental Health classes, and religious classes are all programs offered that could benefit inmates.
The state is building a pre-release center, but that facility serves a different purpose. Pre-release centers are for individuals who have already been convicted of a crime, served their sentence, and are transitioning back into the community. The new county jail is a detention center designed to hold individuals who are awaiting trial or sentencing. These are separate parts of the justice system, and one cannot replace the other.
Yes. Inmates awaiting trial or serving short sentences will have access to programs that support personal growth and reduce the likelihood of reoffending. Offerings may include life skills training (like résumé writing and job interview preparation), parenting classes, substance abuse support, mental health counseling, and faith-based programs. The goal is to use this time to help individuals return to the community better prepared to succeed. The facility will also have a special housing unit designed to house inmates with medical or mental health concerns.
Many people in jail haven’t been convicted yet — they’re awaiting trial and are legally innocent until proven guilty. In fact, many individuals in our county jail are there for short-term sentences or nonviolent offenses.
Providing safe, humane conditions isn’t about luxury,it’s about meeting constitutional standards, reducing legal risk to taxpayers, and maintaining basic human dignity.
A functional jail protects the community by:
Holding people accountable.
Keeping violent offenders securely separated.
Allowing time for mental health or substance abuse intervention.
Supporting a fair justice system for victims and the accused.
This is not about comfort — it’s about safety, legality, and basic human standards. Neglecting these responsibilities costs taxpayers more in lawsuits, injuries, and repeat crime.
Construction & Project Timeline
If the bond passes in November 2025, construction is expected to take approximately three years. This is a complex, secure facility, and construction will be influenced by seasonal weather challenges common in northwest Montana and the procurement of specialized detention products and equipment. Our team is committed to delivering a high-quality facility as efficiently—and safely—as possible.
If everything stays on schedule, the facility would open its doors in 2028.
If voters approve the bond on November 4, 2025, construction is expected to begin in mid-2026 after final design and bidding are complete.
The site met key criteria: affordable land, existing infrastructure, distance from residential areas, and the ability to connect to Kalispell municipal water and sewer — saving millions in utility costs.
Yes. The project includes strict cost controls, competitive bidding, and public oversight. The total bond amount of $105 million is fixed and cannot increase once approved.
The current facility will remain in use for other county functions, including the Coroner’s Office, K9 Unit, and Drug Task Force.
Progress updates, milestones, and photos will be posted at www.flatheadjail.com and shared through Flathead County’s social media channels.
Only a portion of the land — about 20 to 25 acres — will be developed for the Public Safety Facility. The remaining acreage provides room for future expansion, parking, and security required for this type of facility.
Yes. Martel Construction plans to prioritize local subcontractors and labor whenever possible, keeping project dollars circulating within Flathead County.
The County is using a Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) model, meaning Martel Construction is bound to stay within a Guaranteed Maximum Price once design is finalized. This ensures accountability and transparency.
Minimal impact is expected. The Snowline Lane site was chosen specifically because it’s located in an industrial area with direct access to city infrastructure and away from residential zones.
The site will connect directly to City of Kalispell water, sewer, and power lines, which helps reduce long-term operating costs and avoids expensive new utility installations.
Myth Busters (General Questions)
Fact: The existing 1987 jail has outlived its structural and functional lifespan. Engineering studies show it cannot safely or cost-effectively be brought up to code or expanded further.
Fact: Jail overcrowding plays a major role in release decisions. Judges often must evaluate the available space when setting bond or considering pre-trial detention. If the facility is full, some suspects may be released—not because of their risk level, but simply to make room. A larger facility gives the justice system more flexibility to hold offenders when appropriate.
Fact: Once inmates and detention staff move into the new Public Safety Facility, the existing building will be repurposed to house operations that still need secure space, including the Coroner’s Office, K9 Unit, and Drug Task Force.
Fact: It can’t. The $105 million is a fixed payment, voter-approved ceiling. State law prohibits the County from spending a penny more without another public vote.
Fact: No. The bond only funds construction. Ongoing operations — staffing, utilities, maintenance — come from the County’s regular annual budget, not another bond.
Fact: False. Full environmental and geotechnical studies confirmed the Snowline Lane property is dry, stable ground suitable for construction.
Fact: Once issued, the bond will have a fixed payment for its entire 20-year term. It does not fluctuate year to year.
Myth: This project is about giving inmates better living conditions.
Fact: It’s about safety and compliance. Most inmates are awaiting trial and legally presumed innocent. The new design ensures humane, constitutional conditions and protects officers and staff, too.
Fact: Our maintenance crews work constantly to keep it running, but the 1987 jail was only ever intended to serve Flathead County for about 15 years. We’ve stretched it more than two decades past its design life, and it simply wasn’t built with the long-lasting, jail-grade materials used in modern facilities. What people see today isn’t neglect — it’s a building that’s been pushed far beyond what it was built to handle.
Fact: Unfortunately, no. Construction costs and legal risks rise every year we wait. Inflation and building material increases mean delay only drives the price higher — and it doesn’t save money now either. We’re still spending taxpayer dollars each year just to patch and repair a 38-year-old jail that’s falling apart. Acting now stops the cycle of costly maintenance and is the most fiscally responsible path forward.
Not true. By law, bond funds can only be used for the specific project approved by voters — in this case, designing and constructing the Flathead County Public Safety Facility. Every dollar is tied to that purpose and cannot be diverted to unrelated projects or expenses. The project will also be subject to public bidding, open commission meetings, and annual independent audits, ensuring full transparency and accountability from start to finish.
Fact: No. The bond is a separate capital project with its own funding source. Operational budgets for patrol, EMS, and other frontline services remain intact.