County officials report jail pest problem, furnish new bunks and push for federal funding to upgrade jail

Curry County staff reported a string of operational problems and near-term repairs at the county jail during the May 7 meeting, and commissioners described ongoing efforts to secure federal funding for more extensive upgrades.

Director Ted Fitzgerald said maintenance and the jail commander alerted him to a rat infestation affecting the jail kitchen. Fitzgerald contacted the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which provided a trapper and deployed traps to address the problem. Fitzgerald said the action was intended to restore safe, sanitary conditions for people in custody and staff.

The county also has ordered permanent bunks to replace temporary sleeping arrangements. Fitzgerald reported crews had removed old metal bunks that were embedded into concrete, ground the concrete and floated new surfaces in preparation for the new units. He said the goal is to expand safe, habitable capacity; the jail had been operating with a limited number of beds.

Commissioners described ongoing outreach to federal lawmakers about appropriations for jail improvements. Commissioner Patrick Hollinger and others said they had met with staff from U.S. senators' offices and that lobbyist Ray Bushiger was working to secure approximately $1.5 million for jail infrastructure improvements. Hollinger and Director Fitzgerald said they are preparing requests for appropriations and highlighted coordination with Sen. Ron Wyden’s, Sen. Jeff Merkley’s and Rep. Val Hoyle’s offices.

Commissioners acknowledged maintenance and health issues are a priority and said they expect additional funding requests and planning to appear in future meetings. No formal budget appropriation was made at the May 7 meeting; commissioners said they would continue pursuing federal and other funding sources and aim to report back on progress.