Commission hears update on jail pod work, HVAC fixes and fluctuating population

County staff updated the Cass County Board of Commissioners on construction and operational work at the county jail, including corrective HVAC work in the new pod and recent population fluctuations.

Staff said contractors are cutting openings in the pod roof to install ductwork and additional air returns to address airflow problems that were missed during engineering. The contractors will pay for the corrective work, the update said.

Commission staff also reported the jail population has fluctuated over recent periods. The meeting record referenced as many as 405 people in custody at one time, with other counts stated as 348 and approximately 342 during lower periods. Staff said the first floor of the jail has been used irregularly to move people while work continues elsewhere in the facility and that an average daily population near the upper 380s is expected once population stabilizes.

No formal action or vote was recorded on the jail pod item during the meeting. Commissioners asked for updates on progress and materials; staff said painting, carpeting and replacement furniture remain part of the broader facility work.

Details not specified at the meeting included the contractor name, exact schedule for the HVAC repairs and a written timeline for when the first floor will be returned to normal operations.