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Commissioners cite sentencing changes and lack of funding as drivers of local jail pressure
Summary
Commissioners and residents discussed jail capacity, a judge's restriction on using pods, state sentencing changes that increased county jail obligations, and past and average inmate population figures.
Residents at the work session asked officials about jail capacity and the county's options for housing detainees.
Terry Adkins raised concerns about whether people who received summonses should have been jailed and asked about past use of trailers (pods) for cells. Commissioner Richard L. Lohnes said a judge determined the county can no longer use pods as cells. Commissioner Charles A. Patterson explained that changes to state law on felony fours and fives require those inmates to remain in county jails and that the state has not provided matching funding, creating an "unfunded mandate." Patterson and others discussed inmate counts, saying the low point during COVID was approximately "140 to 160 inmates" and that the average is around "190."
The commissioners described exploring site options for a new public safety building and pursuing funding, noting that a phased build may be necessary. No final decision on construction timing or financing was made at the meeting.
