County moves forward with Duval facility assessment; new work‑release designs could include women's living units

Agency staff told the Marion County Community Corrections Advisory Board that County Council approved $100,000 to conduct a facility assessment of the Duval Work Release Facility. The assessment will review square footage, bathrooms, living units and options for a new facility, and staff said Office of Finance and Management is leading the work.

Staff described recurring repair costs at Duval — including recent freezer failures and multiple repairs over the past 6–9 months — and said replacement equipment can carry significant costs (staff estimated $50,000–$60,000 for a new freezer). Those maintenance needs factored into the argument for an assessment and potential replacement rather than continued repeated repairs.

The assessment will also examine whether a new work‑release facility should include dedicated female living units. Staff said a decision to include a women’s wing would depend on utilization; if female demand reaches levels seen in some prior years (e.g., 25 beds), a permanent wing would be easier to justify. Staff described modern facility design options such as 2–4 person rooms or 10‑person pods to support a more therapeutic environment than dormitory‑style bunk rooms.

Agency staff noted some adjacent city‑owned properties could serve as locations, but no decisions have been made. The county expects the DOC grant award next week and said those funds and facility costs will factor into longer‑term decisions.

"At some point we're gonna spend the equivalent of a new building just trying to fix something," a staff member said, arguing the county should consider a new facility rather than continue costly repairs.