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County officials say renovating detention center is unlikely; federal funds and relocation discussed
Summary
County administrators told commissioners that state funding timelines for a new detention center are roughly five years; the warden said renovating the current facility cannot meet future program-space and code requirements, so commissioners discussed pursuing federal grants and site relocation.
County staff updated the board on detention-center planning and funding on Nov. 25, reporting state part-1 and part-2 submission deadlines and a multi-year funding timeline. The county administrator said part 1 is due March 1 and part 2 July 1 of the same year, and that state funding would likely arrive about five years after submission.
Warden Gordon Scott told commissioners he does not believe renovation of the current detention center can meet modern program-space needs or code requirements. He cited insufficient program space, ceiling and security issues, old windows, roof leaks and difficulties meeting ADA and housing-unit standards. "I don't," the warden said when asked whether renovation could meet program requirements, noting that renovating housing space would require bringing all units up to code and could effectively require rebuilding.
Commissioners discussed the practical and budgetary implications of renovating versus building new. Staff noted potential federal funding opportunities (including grants tied to relocating out of critical/flood areas) that could reduce construction costs if available; they also said federal funding can impose different wage rules that affect project costs.
Next steps include meetings with town officials to assess site options, further cost and feasibility work with Warden Scott and facilities staff, and pursuit of federal grant options. Staff emphasized that, absent a clear site and funding plan, a new facility is unlikely in the near term and the March part-1 deadline will likely be targeted next year.
The board directed staff to continue evaluating options, coordinate with the town and to bring back more detailed analyses on funding opportunities and timelines.
