Meetings Steering Committee(Folders 1-2)

Home Browse Search

Corrections (Jail) Recommendation: Planning should begin immediately for the expansion of the jail and its bed capacity. Relocation of the Corrections Administration should also be considered in order to add more bed space to the Work Release Center. At least one jail pod (150 beds), should be added in phase I. If State policies increase the impact on jail population, planning should include a second pod as soon as possible. This planning should attempt to meet the County's needs for the next 10 years. For the period beyond 10 years, the county should consider other options including a forest camp, double bunking or full occupancy of the pods. Cost factors: The cost of each new pod, in 1994 dollars, is $3-4 million. Bed space may be phased, in order to meet operational funding limitations. Additional beds for double bunking, may be added at a cost of $12,000 per 25 beds. Adding 20 beds to the work release center will have no construction cost impact. It will require an additional $162,000 in operating funds. The construction costs for new pods may be provided by the State. However, the County will incur approximately 1.2 million dollars in added operational expenses for each 50 bed unit. The County will need to seek voter approval for additional operating funds. Options: The County may consider the addition of a forest camp (50 beds) or double bunking to meet expansion needs. If operating revenues are limited, the use of the pods may be phased in over several years. Risks and Liabilities: Double bunking or the development of a forest camp will not meet the need for housing high risk inmates. State funding for new pods may not be available. The jail is nearing capacity in terms of bed space and operating funds. If expansion does not occur, anests may decrease and/or the high risk offenders may be released prior to serving their full sentence. There is also concern that the need for projected bed space, used for this report, may be low if crime rates, arrests, and convictions increase faster than the projected population growth.