Greenlee County board directs formation of jail committee after cost analysis presentation

Derek, a county presenter, told the Greenlee County Board of Supervisors that an updated jail cost analysis spanning roughly four years shows recent population changes and budget figures require fresh study, but that the meeting would not produce a final decision: "There will be no final decisions... we are not discussing or deciding whether or not to close the jail," he said. He described the county's methodology as cost per day per inmate and said the county budgets about $2,000,000 annually to operate its jail.

Derek walked supervisors through trends and scenarios showing a low in August 2023 followed by a rise that left January 2026 among the highest months in recent years. He said comparison work with neighboring counties indicates large swings in per‑day costs depending on average population and warned that some benchmark figures are "very soft and squishy." He presented high‑level cost estimates for facilities work — roughly $30 million to build a 25–30 bed, modern facility and about $15 million to renovate the existing building — and cautioned those estimates are preliminary.

The presentation emphasized that responsibility for day‑to‑day custody rests with the sheriff while the board holds responsibility for constructing facilities. Derek warned of legal risks if a facility were ever declared unsafe: courts have statutory authority to step in, he said, and litigation can be costly.

Sheriff Eric Elson addressed the board and described staff alarm after earlier mentions of possible closure. "That spreads widespread panic in my agency," he said, adding he welcomed the committee approach and praised recent cooperation with county staff. Tyler Adaway, commander of the Greenlee County Sheriff's Office, provided operational numbers, noting 399 intakes in 2024 and 449 in 2025 and saying the county's average daily population has risen. "For the citizens of Greenlee County, the best thing to do is build a new one," Adaway said.

Multiple board members voiced support for reconstituting the prior jail committee to study options and funding approaches, seek grant opportunities, and, if needed, engage consultants to design facilities and community outreach. After discussion Derek asked whether the board would give direction to form the committee; the chair replied, "Absolutely," and Derek committed to contact stakeholders and begin forming the group before the next meeting.

Public commenters, including Justice of the Peace Grace Navord, urged keeping the jail local for public‑safety and family reasons and asked that the committee include probation and other stakeholders to address recidivism and services.

Next steps identified by staff include: forming the jail committee with sheriff's office and other stakeholders; pursuing federal and state grant opportunities; hiring a consultant to refine cost and program estimates and to advise on voter outreach if financing requires a public vote; and gathering additional operational data (intake patterns, transportation costs and medical averages) to improve cost estimates. The board did not take a formal binding vote to select a single option at this meeting.