County employees and jail committee members got a good look Monday morning at the five sites on the short list of places to build a new Eau Claire County Justice Center.

“We looked at all five sites. The committees had some questions about the boundaries of those site,” says Eau Claire County Planner Frank Draxler.

Draxler says the group also considered things like accessibility with roads and bus lines, and existing utilities.

Committee members say they're pleased with the outcome of today’s tour.

"I think it went real well, We got a good feel from talking to people as we were going along. I think people were surprised with what they saw,” says Jail Committee Chair Ken Fulgione.

Fulgione says seeing the sites in person has changed his idea of which one could be the best place to build a new justice center.

“Originally, Galloway was and the more I looked at it, Altoona really has a lot of things involved with it that are nice,” says Fulgione.

Fulgione says the City of Altoona currently is talking with the jail committee about development on the site, but he says the decision won't be made quickly.

Many of the current owners of the properties came out to show specifics to the committee, but Fulgione says he's disappointed the City of Eau Claire was a no-show at its Galloway Street site.

"We could have answered a lot of questions if we would have had Brian Amundson who is a storehouse of knowledge for the city in terms of utilities and things like that nature,” says Fulgione.

Fulgione says he likes the look of the River Prairie site in Altoona, but there are some barriers.

“They are expecting quicker development, quicker turnaround,” he says.

As for the issue of the land being in Altoona and not in the City of Eau Claire, Fulgione says it's a small matter.

“That's something that can be worked out. I don't think we have to go through the whole changing of the county seat. I would assume the city would cooperate on that,” he says.

We spoke to Eau Claire City Public Works Manager Brian Amundson on the phone today. He said he's not allowed to comment on the potential sites.

Committee members say the best site will be determined by location and cost.