During a recent government meeting, officials discussed pressing issues surrounding the Oxbow Jail and the significant deferred maintenance costs associated with the facility. Currently, the jail faces an estimated $40 million in deferred maintenance, highlighting the urgent need for repairs to its cooling, heating, and air handling systems.

The average daily cost for housing an inmate at the facility is reported at $49,640, calculated by dividing the overall budget by the number of beds and days in the year. Officials noted that many projects at the jail have been postponed, with funds previously set aside remaining unspent as they sought to ensure responsible financial decisions.

The conversation also touched on the potential sale of the Oxbow property. While no buyers have expressed interest thus far, officials believe the land could yield significant revenue for the community. A real estate firm, CGL, provided cost estimates for the property, suggesting that the anticipated sale price could exceed initial projections.

Plans for the Oxbow Jail lean towards demolition rather than renovation, as the building is deemed in critical need of upgrades. Officials emphasized the property's potential value and their intent to sell it to the highest bidder, aiming to benefit the community in the process.