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Lincoln County commissioners approve outside evaluation of aging jail
Summary
The board voted Aug. 6 to commission an outside facility evaluation of the county jail, accepting a proposal from consultant Rich Siddens (RS Security) with an initial assessment budget described as just under $19,000 to establish operational capacity and identify code and ADA deficiencies.
Lincoln County commissioners voted on Aug. 6 to move forward with an outside facility evaluation of the county jail, aiming to document deficiencies, estimate needed capacity and provide the factual basis for potential future planning or a bond proposal.
Rich Siddens, owner of RS Security and a consultant who has led jail planning work in Montana and elsewhere, outlined a three‑phase approach: an initial facility evaluation to document current conditions and code compliance; planning and programming, including population projections and space needs; and master planning and site selection. Siddens estimated the initial assessment budget at “just under 19,000” and said it would produce operational‑capacity figures and a list of code, ADA and safety liabilities.
Siddens emphasized that a complete project from assessment to construction can take years. “Even if you said start today, you could be seven to 10 years out,” he said, arguing that voters and officials benefit from clear, consistent data when weighing a bond or other funding. He offered a rough current industry cost range of about $600 to $800 per square foot for jail construction as an order‑of‑magnitude planning figure.
Commissioners and the sheriff discussed short‑term mitigation steps that might be taken while a long‑term project progresses and the importance of consistent public messaging if a bond is pursued. The board moved to approve the facility evaluation; the motion passed and the item will be paid from available funds discussed as PILT (payment‑in‑lieu‑of‑taxes) pending formal funding action.
Why it matters: County officials described the existing jail as outdated and too small. The evaluation is designed to give officials and voters documented capacity numbers, cost estimates and compliance findings to inform any future bond or construction decision.
Next steps: Consultant Siddens will gather existing floor plans and operational data, perform an on‑site inspection and return with a written evaluation and an optional in‑person presentation to the commissioners.
