Knox County sheriff reports progress toward full staffing; new jail administrator named

Sheriff Daniel Weckesert told the Knox County Board of Commissioners on July 31 that his office is "moving forward" and expects to be fully staffed by August. He gave a snapshot of the county jail population, saying it had been "anywhere from 95 to 105 for the last couple weeks" and that, "as of this morning, we're 78 males and 15 females, and we got 1 individual housed in another facility."

Weckesert also reported recent facility and fleet improvements: new kitchen appliances are installed and operational, four cruisers have been outfitted (including one designated for a K‑9 unit) and the parking lot at the facility was resurfaced. He said the department has selected a new jail administrator, "James Crawford," who is expected to start in August.

On an evidence‑room renovation, county staff and contractors have walked the site; staff said bids will open August 12 and that the architect's estimate has been circulated to bidders. Staff described a short sequence: award the contract after bids, hold a preconstruction meeting including the sheriff and prevailing‑wage coordinator, and then proceed with construction, with contracting and contractor identification expected in September.

Chair (speaker 1) and staff emphasized coordination on security access and the need to free up office space once evidence rooms move into the renovated building. No binding budget change for the sheriff's office was recorded in the transcript excerpt; staffing and construction timelines were presented as the department's plan and expectations.

The board thanked the sheriff for the report; he was excused after the presentation.