Study reveals space needs for new county jail facility
In an effort to go from a rural jail to a modern facility, Marion County is considering the construction of a new jail facility.
Dan Hall of BG Consultants, Inc., presented the results Monday to Marion County Commission of an assessment study for a new county jail.
Although more than 40,000 square feet is recommended for the project, no dollar figure was determined.
Jim Robertson was the independent consultant hired to complete the study. Hall presented the information to the commission for adequate time to formulate questions when Robertson addresses the commission in two weeks.
The findings of the study indicated by the year 2015, the average daily jail population will be 36 at a capacity of 43.
By 2025, the average daily jail population will be 44, at a capacity of 53 inmates.
This information was formulated from five years' of population census.
In 2004, there was an average of 14 inmates each day in the jail, with 25 being the most and five being the least.
In 2003, the jail population was 10, with 28 being the most and four being the least.
The study suggested the county plan for future growth by constructing a facility for 48 inmates with possible expansion to a 72-bed facility.
The 48-bed facility would provide for two male dormitories to house 24 men each, an intake area for male prisoners that could accommodate up to 16 prisoners, and an area with eight beds for special needs or female inmates.
Each cell would be 70 square feet. Some office space recommended in the study would not be utilized, said sheriff Lee Becker. He anticipated the recommended size be reduced.
Spaces also were determined for offices, dispatchers, evidence, kitchen, and laundry.
Hall said the trend for required exercise areas for inmates has changed from the customary outside area with chain link fence. He recommended a two-story enclosed area with a garage-door type opening for fresh air.
Hall said there were numerous variables for the commission to consider such as the county attorney's office being located at the facility, and a video arraignment area for those making their first court appearances.
Federal mandates require specific services and conditions for inmates, said Hall. It is difficult to meet those mandates with the current facility constructed in 1932.
He also said meeting the needs of prisoners makes jobs easier for jail personnel.
"The happier the prisoner, the least trouble they'll be for the staff," said Hall.
Becker added that prisoners could assist with food preparation and laundry duties.
Discussion also was heard regarding bringing in prisoners from other counties. Deputy Garry Klose said those prisoners would not be "hard-core" felons.
Commissioner Randy Dallke asked about other jails in the area. Were they full? Is there a need for a facility to house out-of-county prisoners?
Klose said there was.
"Even if Sedgwick County builds a jail, it will get filled up," said Klose. Numerous facilities are overcrowded and looking for other housing options.
Hall also suggested the county consider housing federal prisoners.
"Chase County received $600,000 from federal funds when they built their jail," said Becker, to house federal inmates.
The commission, Becker, and Klose are planning to attend a training school Oct. 24-27, in Longmont, Colo., for new jail construction.
"This jail facility will bring Marion County from last century to this century," said Hall.
More information will be presented to the commission in two weeks.
