By HOLLY GASKILL
As the Wells County jail renovation project looks toward the finish line, two new points have recently cropped up — the original painting and flooring and the kitchen door.
Sheriff Scott Holliday believes these items could be covered through the remaining $118,000 in the owner’s reserve in the budget.
Holliday said new flooring and painting are much-needed for the original building. He added that it would be worthwhile to match the new additions while the jail is already under construction. Initial quotes showed the change costing upwards of $20,000.
The kitchen, on the other hand, is currently unable to receive palette deliveries through their secure entry, which Holliday said poses a problem for the staff. Quotes for an updated secure door came in the $40,000 range.
Holliday said current quotes have come through James S. Jackson Company of Bluffton.
Commissioner Jeff Stringer directed Holliday to request three quotes in addition to hearing from Ameresco, who is in charge of the project.
The total renovation is still expected to be finished by the end of 2022.
Holliday said the construction team plans to finish the new intake area by the end of the month. However, Holliday anticipates being unable to move into that area until mid-October because of inspections.
He added that completing this portion will be a relief to their operations.
“They’re moving along, pretty much working in almost every part of the jail at this point,” Holliday said. “It’s been quite taxing on us and the staff trying to work through that.”
Much of the work this summer has come alongside near-full capacity. For example, in August 2021, the average population was 62 inmates. For this past August, it was 92.
With work in multiple parts of the jail simultaneously, well-planned communication and coordination are needed to keep the building secure.
As of Tuesday, 90 inmates were being housed in the county jail. Of those inmates, 32 are pre-trial holds for Wells Superior Court, 31 are pre-trial holds for Wells Circuit Court, 13 are Level 6 felons and seven are from the Indiana Department of Correction.
holly@news-banner.com
