Calhoun County seeks state funds to finish youth detention center repairs

Calhoun County officials asked the House Labor and Economic Opportunity subcommittee for $283,257 in one‑time legislative funding to complete deferred maintenance at the Calhoun County Youth Center, a 52‑bed juvenile detention facility that serves Calhoun and 18 other Michigan counties.

Tori Benden, the youth center director, said the facility — renovated several years ago — still needs detention‑grade windows (she estimated roughly 28) and plumbing replacement in older portions of the building. "We are a 52 bed detention facility that serves youth ages 9 to 18," Benden said. She added that plumbing in parts of the building dates to 1957 and 1975 and that completing the plumbing work would cost about $500,000.

A presenter noted that Calhoun County taxpayers already contributed about $14 million to earlier renovation phases, and the requested LDSI funds would ensure a safe, secure and more livable facility for the roughly 200 juveniles the center serves each year. Committee members asked about the number and type of windows, project completion scope and longer‑term plumbing funding; presenters said the window work would complete that portion of the renovation but the plumbing would likely require additional funding beyond the current request.