The current county jail site is not large enough for expansion. Ideally, the county needs to own a new jail site property “free and clear” by February 08 in order to get state funding for the project. While the Carbondale site meets the “free and clear” requirement, its weaknesses as a jail site dominated the discussion Monday, including a relatively remote location, transportation costs to court and from most other county agencies, and availability of sewer and water services.

The state could provide 75 % of the cost of a new jail with the county paying 25% in matching funds. Each new jail bed is expected to cost $112,500 and according to Jon Hopkins, General Services Administration director, if the county can reduce that cost, they can ask the state to fund a larger percentage. A consulting group has been hired to do a jail needs assessment as the first step to building a new jail in the county.