Report recommends cost study for 288‑bed Potter County jail expansion after committee review

Wendy Swope, the jail expansion committee secretary, recommended the court “consider allocating funds to provide renderings and a cost analysis for a 288 bed expansion of the Potter County Jail,” citing committee findings and construction practices.

Committee members reported they examined multiple options — from incremental pods to a new facility — and landed on requesting architect estimates for a 288‑bed plan that would allow expansion and later decommissioning of older housing. Swope said the larger figure was chosen because modern detention pods are often built in increments of 16, which affected the recommended bed count.

Commissioners pressed for more analysis before moving forward. One commissioner asked whether short‑term measures such as coordinated “rocket docket” dockets or cooperation with state corrections could relieve crowding while planners develop long‑term options. Sheriff and committee staff said the rocket dockets helped but did not solve the steady growth in population.

Several commissioners urged that the architect’s scope include not only housing but supporting facilities — kitchen, laundry and classification space — and that the committee return in January with clearer scope and cost comparisons. The court agreed to reconvene the committee and to have county attorneys and staff help define the architect’s assignment before any large capital commitment.

The debate left the court with a procedural next step rather than a final commitment: gather detailed cost estimates and wider options for a follow-up meeting in early 2025.