Study prompts prioritized repairs and reprogramming at Arlington detention facility

A study of Arlington's detention facility, completed with the sheriff's office, identified near‑term maintenance and operational priorities and informed CIP requests. Staff said critical systems—HVAC components, roof replacements, garage doors and fire alarm modernization—are needed to maintain continued mission support and code compliance. Mike McCarn noted the project was guided by Virginia code requirements that heating must maintain a minimum of 65°F in all rooms and that cooling or ventilation is required when temperatures exceed 85°F.

Operational focus: The sheriff's office emphasized safety for staff, residents and visitors while accounting for changing needs such as an increase in detainees with mental‑health and medical needs. Deputy Sheriff Gilford told the board that even when population counts decline, the complexity of cases—need for single‑occupancy cells, medical and mental‑health supports, and custody classifications—keeps operational demands high. Staff said several design changes will include configuring the lobby for safer line‑of‑sight, trauma‑informed interior improvements, and operational efficiencies to reduce CO2 emissions where feasible.

Budget and timing: The detention facility items were placed in the CIP after a placeholder study and engineering analysis; staff said some investments will occur in FY27 while additional design and decisions are planned in subsequent CIP cycles. Board members asked whether Commonwealth capital support is available; staff said the state no longer provides routine capital contributions for county jails and that any state grant funding would be pursued but is not guaranteed.

Next steps: Staff will continue the study work, refine scopes and return cost‑estimates to the board for amendment consideration. The sheriff's office and facilities staff will coordinate on operational requirements and code compliance as design moves forward.