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County debate sharpens over jail renovation, swing space and cost of relocating inmates
Summary
Commissioners and public safety officials debated whether to proceed with a $9–46 million renovation plan, build a 64-bed swing-space addition, or pursue a longer-term new facility. Officials warned relocation of inmates during renovation could cost $4–6 million; sheriff and jail leadership urged adding swing space to avoid repeated inmate moves.
A contentious discussion about the county adult detention facility dominated the work session as commissioners, the sheriff's office and jail staff weighed options including an in-place renovation, construction of a temporary "swing" 64-bed addition, or planning for a new facility.
Sheriff's office leadership and jail captains joined county staff to describe operational risks and costs tied to renovating the existing 1980s-era jail. Jail officials said much of the facility's maintenance and life-safety systems require work and that carrying out a comprehensive security and HVAC upgrade will require relocating inmates for prolonged periods. The sheriff's office estimated relocation costs could be “very, very expensive” and cited a figure in the meeting of about $4,600,000 to $6,000,000 for renting beds or other out-of-county housing for inmates during a lengthy renovation.…
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