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Cost estimates are next steps for new county jail facility

Staff reporter

Information was reviewed Monday by Marion County Commission and consultants regarding a new county jail facility.

Following an hour-long discussion, the end result was a request for cost estimates to construct and operate the facility.

Consultant Jim Robertson reviewed an analysis he had provided and answered questions related to the project.

The study had two key components: capital investment and ongoing operational costs.

A 72-bed facility is being considered which would meet current projected demands for local and out-of-county inmates, and possible expansion in the coming years.

"Bed numbers (48 for current use and 24 for future use) are based on historical trends and outside rental opportunities," Robertson said. The 48-bed capacity is an average and not necessarily the number that will be filled daily.

Robertson advised the commission the size of the building and the number of staff may reduce in size as the project is planned. A 10 percent design contingency has been built-in to the project.

Site selection is an important part of the process. County commissioner Randy Dallke asked if the plan could be adapted to an existing building. Robertson said it could be but typically it costs more.

Robertson said the commission needs to ask the question: "Can we afford to construct and operate on a yearly basis?" If the answer is no, Robertson said, the county needs to reconsider the project.

The commission will look at space issues and the use of rooms for multiple use.

Eighth Judicial Chief Judge Michael Powers expressed concerns about the project.

"Location is critical from my perspective," Powers said. "We'll have to have transport officers to take inmates to and from court. That impacts us because when we need them, we need them now."

Jail staff will have to remain with the prisoners if they are transported rather than being walked from the current jail location.

Powers, who is the chief judge in the district that includes Junction City, also said he had concerns about courtroom scheduling with the Fort Riley expansion. He indicated schedules for the judges will be tight even in Marion County and inmates needed to be in court at specified times.

County attorney Susan Robson said she would like her office and staff located in the facility but wanted somewhat of a separate entrance.

"I don't want people feeling like they were going to jail when they come see me," Robson said. She also had concerns about the location of the facility and security issues.

Currently, if there is a need for security in the courthouse, there is a "panic button" that can be pressed which alerts jail personnel to come to the courthouse to provide assistance.

If the jail facility is not located in the current vicinity, additional courthouse security may need to be addressed, Robson said.

Current overcrowding of the county's probation facility also was addressed by Powers. He asked and received permission to talk with consultant Dan Hall about planning sufficient space for the department.

"The state is looking at security issues in all 105 counties," Powers said. He said Marion County will fail because there is no security.

If the county decides to proceed with the jail project and it is funded through a bond issue, additional funds could be included for a probation facility. Powers said the former sheriff's office and jail could be used.

Discussion followed regarding when prisoners can make appearances via video conference. Powers said first and bond appearances could be done in that manner but motions, arraignments, and trials have to be done in person.

Hall will provide cost estimates at a September meeting. Robertson will provide cost estimates for staff and operation.

The commission plans to attend a seminar in October in Colorado for those entities considering the construction of a new jail facility.

Jail populations in other counties

Jailer Garry Klose provided information about neighboring jail facilities, capacities, and expansions plans.

Chase County jail was built in 1992 with 32 beds. An addition was built in 1998 for a capacity of 70 beds. Another addition is planned in 2006 for a total of 148 beds. It houses inmates from Johnson and Morris counties, and for International Naturalization Services (INS).

The jail in Lyon County was built in 1998 and houses 150 inmates for Lyon and Johnson counties.

McPherson County's facility was built in 1993 and houses 56 prisoners only from McPherson County.

In 2003, Butler County built a 220-bed facility. It houses inmates from Butler, Johnson, and sometimes Sedgwick counties, and the INS.

The Harvey County jail was built in 1997 with an addition completed in 2004. It houses 132 prisoners from Harvey and Sedgwick counties, and federal offenders.

Rice County's jail was built in 2002, has 72 beds, and houses prisoners from Rice, Johnson, Sedgwick, Ford, and Reno counties.

Greenwood County was built in 1962, has 28 beds, and is at capacity.

All of the prisons that were polled by Klose has been running at capacity or the capacity they desire.

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