On July 1, Flathead County took a major step forward in addressing one of our community’s most pressing public safety needs. We officially launched our public awareness campaign for the proposed new safety facility, and we were met with a full house in the Commissioner’s Chambers at the Historic Courthouse. The standing-room-only crowd is a testament to how much our community cares about public safety, responsible planning, and long-term solutions.
Among the many highlights of the afternoon, one stood out: a letter from Montana Governor Greg Gianforte was read aloud, offering his support for Flathead County’s efforts to address jail overcrowding. In his letter, the Governor acknowledged what many of us already know—that overcrowding in our detention facility not only threatens the safety of our officers and staff, but also impacts the broader justice system. As he put it plainly, "We can’t find and prosecute criminals if we don’t have a place to put them."
The Governor’s message reinforced what we’ve worked toward for years. Built in 1987, our current jail was not designed for today’s population or public safety challenges. Our detention officers do their jobs with integrity and resilience, but the facility they work in is outdated, over capacity, and unable to safely separate inmates who require different levels of supervision. That puts staff, inmates, and our community at risk.
The new facility we’re proposing isn’t just larger, it’s smarter, more secure, and built to serve Flathead County for decades to come. It will double inmate capacity, expand mental health treatment space, and improve safety through more efficient design and modern technology. These improvements will reduce early releases, allow for better inmate supervision, and support rehabilitation efforts that can help reduce recidivism. As the Governor noted, this is about more than bricks and mortar, it’s about fulfilling our duty to protect our communities.
We’re grateful for the leadership and collaboration that brought us to this point. At the event, Sheriff Brian Heino, Commissioner Pam Holmquist, and Judge Eric Hummel served as keynote speakers and have each played a key role in moving this effort forward. Judge Hummel put it best when he said, “Justice shouldn’t depend on the number of beds we have.” Their voices, along with the contributions of our architectural partners at Elevatus, our pre-construction team at Martel, and many others, reflect the years of planning, analysis, and public engagement that have shaped this project from the ground up.
The proposed facility will appear on the November 4, 2025 ballot in the form of a $105 million bond. We encourage every resident to get the facts, understand the need, and make their voice heard.
For full project details, timelines, tax impacts, and FAQs, please visit www.FlatheadJail.com. Let’s move forward together—safely, responsibly, and informed.