Sheriff outlines more than $300,000 in jail security and site repairs; commissioners prioritize new dorm doors

The sheriff told the Blackford County Commissioners on Sept. 3 that multiple capital projects and equipment purchases are needed to improve jail security and site operations, and provided vendor estimates for each.

Estimates presented to the board included: a fire-suppression well and related hookup with budget estimates of about $110,000 to $120,000 (two estimates cited), replacement of dorm doors with a more secure frame and locking system for $64,469, window repairs or replacement (discussion included masonry work) estimated at $117,480, expansion and stone resurfacing of an outdoor firing range for roughly $9,000 (with an additional $3,500 if on-site dirt from another project cannot be used), and a Guardian RFID mobile documentation system with a $10,000 up-front cost and an annual maintenance agreement just under $7,000.

The sheriff said the doors are a high priority for inmate and staff safety and noted the doors would eliminate magnetic locks and update frames to a more secure system. On the Guardian RFID system he said it would streamline inmate checks, medication passes and documentation, and preserve records beyond the six months currently available on video.

Commissioners discussed priorities and constraints but did not take a formal vote on these capital projects at the Sept. 3 meeting. Commissioners asked that staff and the sheriff—ring additional bids, warranty information and funding options to a future meeting. The sheriff offered to bring the maintenance manager to a later meeting to answer technical questions.

The sheriff described the doors as the immediate security priority and said masonry work could reduce costs if the windows are repaired rather than fully replaced.

Ending: Commissioners directed staff to obtain additional quotes and warranty details, and to return with more complete cost and funding proposals before authorizing large capital expenditures.