Fond du Lac County Board Supervisor Mary Hayes to host public listening session on proposed jail/justice center project

Fond du Lac County Board District #24 Supervisor Mary B. Hayes invites the public to a critical listening session regarding the proposed new County Jail/Justice Center. The meeting will be held on Monday, January 12, 2026, at 6:00 PM in the McLane Room of the Fond du Lac Public Library.

The County faces significant challenges with its current jail, including overcrowding and structural issues with a 2006 addition. Furthermore, Wisconsin state jail regulations necessitate action. In response, a County Board Ad Hoc committee recommended a massive, multi-phase Justice Center project, estimated to cost taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars. In late 2025, a joint County Board committee recommended that a new jail be built next to the County Hwy Building on Hickory Rd. In December, the County Board voted to solicit bids on two sites.

Supervisor Hayes, who voted against moving the project to the design phase, is convening this session to provide the public with comprehensive information and to voice concerns she believes have been overlooked. You can read more about the December 16^th County Board meeting and view video clips at www.fdlnews.org

“This could be the largest financial commitment in our county’s history, and the process has moved forward without answering fundamental questions,” said Hayes. “We must determine what we can afford and fully examine all alternatives before committing to a project of this scale.”

The listening session is open to all residents. If you cannot attend, an online survey, which you can take, was provided in a press release for the event, https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSckvZ1L5rFqVIxybcUw9KS6E6606y9rRUdnS6veh4Qhfho8UQ/viewform.

“Your input is critical,” Hayes emphasized. “This decision will define our county for generations. We need public engagement to ensure we are making the most informed, fiscally responsible, and community-conscious choice.”

Event Details:
What: FDL County Jail/Justice Center Project Public Listening Session
Who: Hosted by County Supervisor Mary B. Hayes Phone: 920 921-8432
When: Monday, January 12, 2026, at 6:00 PM
Where: Fond du Lac Public Library – McLane Room

Open to the public and press.