Dozens of people are speaking out and saying they don’t want a new jail built in downtown Eau Claire.

On Monday night, members of CAJE – or Citizens for Accountable Jail Expansion – came together to re-group.

Members looked to answer the question “what now”? But, they also wanted to let Eau Claire County leaders know they’re still here.

"The issue still remains that it's really not about what the jail is going to look like, but where the jail is going to be,” said CAJE member, Ted Barr.

Last week, Eau Claire County’s Special Jail Committee voted 10 to 5 to recommend building a jail near the Chippewa River.

“My basic reaction is one of certainly not surprise, but mostly bewilderment,” Barr said.

CAJE members say they don’t think that’s the best decision right now – or for the future.

But, member Nick Smiar, who’s been with CAJE since the beginning says, “there obviously is something that can be done about it."

As you’ll remember, a public petition stopped the project the first time around.

"It's not just a small group of disgruntled citizens,” Smiar said. “This is a group of people who represent a much broader group.” He went on to add, “5,500 people signed the petition against the jail proposal as it originally existed. We think those 5,500 are only the tip of the iceberg."

So, the group says it’ll continue to fight – in hopes members can chance the course the county takes.

"It's never a done deal,” Smiar said. “It's never a done deal."

Members of CAJE say they now plan to brainstorm through e-mail. During the meeting they expressed a need to get more citizens involved in protesting the project.

The Chair of the Special Jail Committee says the County Board and the city of Eau Claire will have to approve the site recommendation.