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Jackson County jail reports low census, flags new fire-code inspection requirements
Summary
Jackson County jail administrator Andrew Long reported a low census of 23 inmates and revenue figures for January and February, and described fire-marshal inspections that identified additional testing requirements (alarms and sprinkler testing) with an estimated $1,100 annual cost.
Andrew Long, Jackson County jail administrator, reported operational metrics and recent inspections at the board's March 17 meeting. "Our current count is low. We're at 23," Long said, adding that four were Jackson County inmates and 19 were from Scott County. He gave averages of 29.58 inmates in January and 32.14 in February and said January revenue was $39,270 and February revenue $36,575.
Long described recent inspections by the fire marshal that identified several deficiencies relative to prior practice. He said the marshal provided documentation referencing the International Fire Code and told the county that some testing previously done annually should be performed more frequently. "For example…our fire alarms were getting inspected once a year...this fire marshal came in and said it's actually supposed to be done twice a year," Long said, adding that the county received his written report. Long said a sprinkler-system testing schedule was also cited as more frequent than previously performed and that the change appears to be an enforcement difference: "He provided us with...the International Fire Code."
Long estimated the change would require about $1,100 more annually for inspections and compliance. He also reported that the kitchen health inspection went well and that county staff were preparing for a scheduled jail inspection on March 26 at 10:30 a.m.
Long invited supervisors to attend the March 26 jail inspection and praised local staff: he singled out a corrections officer, noting "Dean Sells…loves to clean and really keep things clean and looking good for us." The board and staff discussed partnerships with neighboring counties and the logistics of housing and transport. No formal actions were taken on the jail report.
What happens next: the county will host the scheduled jail inspection on March 26 and follow up on fire-marshal findings, including any required changes or recurring testing and budget impacts.
