Jackson County sheriff asks for $54.46 million to replace failing county jail; sheriff warns of safety and liability risks

Representative Schmaltz and Sheriff Gary Schutte told the subcommittee that Jackson County's downtown jail and related facilities are in severe disrepair and pose public-safety and liability risks. Sheriff Schutte described recurring sewage failures that spill onto deputies and inmates, exposed asbestos, malfunctioning locks, insufficient sally-port access and chronic overcrowding. He said the facility was designed in the late 1940s and is now difficult to maintain and legally risky.

The Sheriff and Representative outlined a comprehensive plan with an estimated total cost of $54,462,520. Sheriff Schutte said the plan includes remodeling, a secure addition for pretrial inmates, centralized booking, enhanced mental-health and addiction services and construction at Channer Road to replace the downtown jail. He said two nearer-term components could meaningfully reduce acute risks: a $12 million request to centralize booking and provide a secure sally port and a $1,185,080 request to expand female housing at the Channer Road facility to free beds and improve access to rehabilitation services.

Lawmakers pressed presenters on plan B and prior millage defeats; Sheriff Schutte said the county has attempted two millages that failed (losing the second by 837 votes) and that the county currently sets aside roughly $500,000 annually for repairs as a stopgap. He said the county has pursued federal and other funding without success and asked the state to help propel the project forward.

Committee members asked about bed counts, population and costs. The Sheriff said the downtown facility is rated for 185 beds but routinely houses more than 300 inmates and that a consolidated plan would aim for roughly 431 beds to meet future needs. The subcommittee did not vote on an appropriation during the hearing; presenters answered questions and outlined the consequences of inaction for deputies and detainees.