Sheriff presents two jail expansion options; county hears cost and payback estimates

Sheriff Kevin Glendening and Jail Administrator Colter Levinson presented two design options from Carl A. Nelson for a proposed county jail expansion during a post-meeting work session. Option A would add 10 two-man cells at an estimated cost of $2,169,000; Option B would add eight two-man cells at an estimated $1,988,000. The presenters indicated a preference for Option B because of cell size and design considerations.

Glendening said the project would not require additional correctional staff under current assumptions and estimated the county could save about $170,000 annually by housing fewer inmates out-of-county. Supervisor Jim Cary noted the county's estimate that the project would take roughly 11 years to reach cost savings under today's numbers. The Board discussed funding options, including potential use of opioid-related dollars and other capital sources.