Sheriff outlines plan for new Toole County jail as commissioners weigh 16- vs. 32‑bed options

The Toole County sheriff told residents at a public hearing that the county needs a new jail to meet Montana separation and recreation-space standards and to address rising pretrial detention and long holds.

During the hearing the sheriff said the county has secured $1.5 million in grant funding and has allocated roughly $2.2 million from existing reserves toward a new facility, adding that there are currently no plans to raise taxes or create a new mill levy for the project. "We have secured 1.5 million in grant funding and have allocated an additional 2.2 million from an existing from its existing budget," the sheriff said.

Why it matters: Officials said the existing jail, built in the 1970s with later upgrades, lacks required separation for male and female inmates and adequate recreation space. The sheriff cited capacity pressures and delays in the criminal-justice system, noting that some detainees are held in county custody for extended periods — "we had an inmate in our facility for over 500 days," he said — which increases operational strain and costs.

Funding, revenue ideas and uncertainty: County staff described a mix of grant funds and saved capital reserves to cover much of the project but acknowledged a potential need to borrow for debt service. The sheriff outlined a plan to pursue contracts with other counties to house out-of-county inmates and said the county is preparing a resolution to raise the inmate daily rate from about $55 to $75. Officials estimated that contracting out eight beds at $75 per day could generate roughly $220,000 per year, though they cautioned a full operating pro forma has not yet been finalized.

Contract terms and risk: Participants warned that short-term (one-year) contracts create revenue uncertainty. Commissioners and staff said the county would prefer longer agreements before committing to construction to reduce the risk of carrying debt without guaranteed bed revenue.

Size and design options: Engineers and staff presented cost comparisons for a dormitory-style "pod" design. A 16‑bed option was described as about $500,000 less than a 32‑bed plan, in part because pod-style additions increase capacity without doubling shared support spaces. Staff emphasized that detailed blueprints and engineering costs are needed before bids are solicited.

Operational details: The sheriff described logistical issues the county currently faces: limited female housing that forces transfers to other counties (the sheriff said Gallatin County recently helped by taking two females), transportation costs for staff and fuel, and uncertainties in jail-specific liability insurance premiums. Staff said adding three detention officers would be required to meet Montana staffing rules for 24-hour coverage and would likely add only a small number of additional vehicles per shift.

Procurement and next steps: Staff said the county’s engineering firm (Staley) is subcontracting HDR for jail design expertise; after design work is complete the county will advertise construction bids. Commissioners were told a decision about whether to proceed and what size to pursue would be discussed at the next meeting. A commissioner urged more public outreach and asked residents to submit comments by email, letter or phone.

What was not decided: No binding action or vote on construction or financing occurred during the hearing. Officials said they would return with blueprints, more detailed cost estimates and a procurement schedule if commissioners direct staff to proceed.

Key quotes

"We have secured 1.5 million in grant funding and have allocated an additional 2.2 million from our existing budget," the sheriff said.

"We had an inmate in our facility for over 500 days," the sheriff said, citing delays that increase detention demand.

"I personally would like more input from the public," a commissioner said, asking residents to submit questions or comments before the next meeting.

Next steps: Commissioners are expected to consider the engineers' recommendations and may vote at a subsequent meeting on whether to proceed to design and bid documents; if approved, staff will develop blueprints and put the project out to bid.