Sheriff, commission address inmate issues
Staff reporter
Just a few days after discussing the need for a new jail facility, Marion County Sheriff Lee Becker presented a list of issues to Marion County Commission Monday from inmates at the county jail.
The memo listed 12 issues regarding jail conditions of which the inmates wanted the sheriff to be aware.
The issues were overcrowding which results in prisoners sleeping on the floor, food quality, television accessibility, going outdoors at least an hour per day, no newspapers or magazines, no nightly medications, poor hygiene management, asbestos, theft of personal property, poor ventilation, and longer visitation.
Becker said inmates sleep on mattresses on the floor because there is not enough bed space.
Currently, Marion Manor provides meals to prisoners and the county pays $3.25 per meal. A dietitian on the nursing home's staff monitors nutritional values and food groups for a balanced diet, said Becker.
Corrections officer Garry Klose said he checked with other jails in the area and was told television is not a requirement for inmates.
"TVs are excellent babysitters," said Becker, but did not necessarily agree they should be available to prisoners.
Most issues presented by inmates were staff issues.
There is not an adequate staff or facility to provide prisoners outdoor time for at least one hour per day, said Becker. Sometimes it is not advisable for inmates to be outdoors when a victim may live near the jail.
Newspapers and magazines are not allowed because they can become a safety issue.
Medications are not dispensed at night and longer visitations are not possible because of a shortage of staff.
Rust in the showers and sewers backing up will be monitored. A plumber will be hired to check the drains.
Becker also will check for asbestos, even though he is not aware of any. He also will have an air conditioning contractor inspect the jail's ventilation system.
"Eventually, we will need 24-hour staff at the jail," said Becker, whether it's an old or new facility.
In other business:
— The commission approved the replacement of a door on the north side of the jail for $385.
— The purchase of new patrol cars was put on hold until bids could be obtained from the three dealerships in Hillsboro.
— County clerk Carol Maggard researched the necessary steps for the county's name to be placed on a proposed legislative bill for a special sales tax for a new law enforcement facility.
The commission instructed Maggard to contact Representative Don Dahl and research other necessary processes.
— Maggard received permission to purchase the lowest bid for tires for the county's Ford Crown Victoria that is used by courthouse personnel and commissioners.
The next commission meeting will be at 9 a.m. Monday at the courthouse.
