OSHKOSH, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – A proposal to build a million-dollar complex to house sex offenders moved forward Thursday.
With restrictions on where sex offenders can live – 1,500 feet from a childcare centers, schools, houses of worship, youth centers, and nursing homes, for example – and a lack of rental options in the area, Winnebago County is looking for a permanent solution. The proposed site is on county-owned land along County Y, near the sheriff’s department.
State law requires those participating in the Chapter 980 program for sexually violent offenders to return to their home counties. If counties cannot find housing, they could face daily fines from the state.
Several supervisors commented Thursday this option is better than placing sex offenders into neighborhoods. And, with several more offenders expected to be released in the future, the county is better off being prepared with a permanent facility.
Sheriff John Matz said the location adjacent to its offices would offer some operational savings as opposed to having sex offenders spread around the county in rural areas.
On Thursday, the county’s Personnel & Finance Committee unanimously endorsed a plan to spend $1,068,427 to design and construct the six-unit residence. The measure now moves to the County Board for its June 21 meeting.
Winnebago County has used a mobile home trailer on the site but that is not considered a permanent option.
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