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Sheriff reports falling jail population, staffing gains and outlines jail‑rebuild planning
Summary
Sheriff Derek reported a jail headcount of 57 and progress on hiring, while county administrators said $1,000,000 allocated in 2024 will fund a needs‑assessment and bid work that positions the county to begin more intensive jail rebuild planning next year.
Sheriff Derek told the Tompkins County Public Safety Committee on March 24 that the jail headcount that day was 57, with three females boarded out, and that hiring has improved with only a few vacancies remaining.
The sheriff highlighted recent activity including a countywide DWI enforcement month that produced 11 DWI arrests and participation in community events and training. He also invited legislators to scheduled jail tours of facilities with direct‑supervision models.
Committee members asked about the jail rebuild timeline and funding. Corso (county administration) said the county allocated $1,000,000 in 2024 to evaluate options for a rebuild, complete central government bidding by the end of the year and then move to evaluate and propose jail development options. "We will be starting from a clean slate," Corso said, noting the 2024 needs assessment is complete and will be used to inform architects and proposals.
Sheriff and others discussed design models; Corso said the state recommends direct supervision models rather than the county's existing pod‑style design and that significant project work is expected next year, with some participants pointing to 2027 as a milestone for further progress.
No formal action on the jail project was taken at the meeting; staff said they will continue internal deliberations and coordinate with state and regional partners before making recommendations to legislators.
