County continues to look at 72-bed jail facility years ago
Staff reporter
Marion County Commission asked Tony Rangle of Law Kingdon Architecture of Wichita Monday to come up with a concept and cost estimate for a new 72-bed jail, sheriff's office, and communications, and a second cost estimate and concept for renovations and expansion of the existing jail.
Previous cost estimates from another architect was more than the county wanted to spend for a jail facility but the commission wants to see an estimate from this architectural firm that designed a 123-bed facility at Sumner County.
Commissioner Dan Holub said he wanted to see a large enough facility that would pay for itself and maybe even cover expenses for the sheriff's department.
A 40-bed facility that was proposed by another architectural firm was the same cost as the 123-bed facility at Sumner County and wouldn't be able to pay for itself, Holub said.
"If we can't make a 72-bed facility work, then I wouldn't be in favor of doing a new jail," Holub continued.
Improvements and additions to the existing jail and sheriff's department would reduce the burden of overcrowding and could make the facility safer but it would not pay for itself and would have to be paid either by property owners or through a sales tax.
Discussion was heard regarding the state Legislature considering the requirement of counties incarcerate some prisoners that otherwise might be sent to a federal detention center which will require counties, including Marion County, to send prisoners to jails outside of the county.
"The overwhelming question by the public is 'What will it take to renovate what we have?'" Becker said.
Rangle said a jail addition at the existing site would have to address deficiencies. The remainder of the building also would have to be renovated.
The options of minimum, medium, and maximum security cells could be included with a work release program.
A 30- or 40-bed addition with the combination of bed types could come close to cost estimates to build a new 50-bed facility, which is a common size for counties the size of Marion County, Rangle said.
"A 75-bed facility might give you better options for paying off the bond but I would question how the bond would be paid," Rangle said.
Holub said it would have to be a combination of the tax base and sales tax.
He continued that there would be two years or more before revenue is realized and would offset bond payments.
"We would have to get through the first year without generating any revenue but could adjust the county mill levy," Holub said.
Rangle asked the commission if there were plans for the sheriff's department and jail building if a new facility was constructed. Holub said the building could be used for the county attorney and court services.
Becker said another added expense would be additional security at the courthouse if the sheriff's department was moved off site.
"The cost has to be under $10 million," commissioner Bob Hein said. "It needs to be $7 or $8 million."
Holub said he would like for the cost to be $6-$7 million with grants.
Rangle said Sumner County is charging $34 per out-of-county prisoner and is doing well.
"If I were a sheriff in south central Kansas, I would try to capture those inmates that would pay more," Rangle said, such as federal or naturalization prisoners.
Rangle said he would return to the commission Sept. 10 with information.
There was only one bidder for a renovation project at Marion County Jail, as required by the state fire marshal.
Marion County Commission opened the bid from Dustin Hett of Hett Construction for $13,500 for the base work.
Hett also presented a bid for three alternates for a new vestibule at the front of the sheriff's office for $5,500, different materials instead of concrete blocks for $1,000, and a factory-built, bullet-resistant transaction window for $1,200.
The base bid included a bullet-proof window for the front desk of the sheriff's office if constructed by Hett.
Completion of the project is anticipated by Nov. 1.
County clerk Carol Maggard asked if the required insurance information included worker's compensation.
Rangle said the cost estimate was between $15,000 and $20,000.
"It's a fair bid," Rangle said.
The commission approved the bid with the alternates.
Rangle said the renovations will meet the requirements made by the state fire marshal with the addition of 24-hour jailers/dispatch personnel.
