Staffing levels and operating costs were higher than they should have been, and jail staff were vulnerable to assault. The average jail population has climbed to 110, which consumes the excess capacity that was gained by a 1999 remodel. That number is exceeded on some days. Extensive and expensive repairs to a building that was not designed to be used 24 hours a day, seven days a week, have been necessary in recent years. It is time to construct a safe, cost-effective detention center of the size necessary for the current jail population and for the years beyond.
Jails rank below water and sewer lines in popularity.
But, it has to be done. State governments have set tough sentencing guidelines for some crimes, and the electorate has applauded. An arrest is required in domestic abuse cases, and demanding multiple-offense DUI penalties. And, there are more people in the county. There is also the threat of legal action, which would result in a judge telling the county what to build and how to operate it.