Lancaster County commissioners back keeping correctional facility add alternates, citing long-term value

The Lancaster County Board of Commissioners on June 2 signaled support for retaining the add alternates in the design for the Lancaster County Correctional Facility (LCCF), citing long-term operational and public-safety benefits.

Commissioner Alice Yoder urged keeping the add alternates, saying they provide long-term value: "The additional medical beds will improve our ability to meet healthcare needs within the facility and can help reduce operational and healthcare costs over both the short and long term." She also said the work release component "recognizes that employment is one of the strongest predictors of successful reentry."

Commissioner Joshua G. Parsons said the Work Release area represented the only substantial cost-savings opportunity but that he does not expect courts to stop sentencing to Work Release; for that reason he does not support removing that component because it is integrated into the design. Commissioner Ray D'Agostino said it was challenging to move from schematic design to design development while shrinking the footprint, and he welcomed the consensus to retain the alternates.

County staff presented the add alternates as elements that would increase medical capacity, provide dedicated maintenance space and create flexibility for programming and partner access. Pastor Jason Perkowski and Gail Groves Scott offered supportive comments; staff and commissioners answered questions from residents and local reporters about central booking and the project timeline.

The county will proceed with the design development work while addressing follow-up requests for additional clarification and cost detail from commissioners. Linda Schreiner, the county director leading the presentation, gave closing remarks outlining next steps for the project.