Revised Cost Estimates for New Detention Center at $72 Million
Greg Wilson/Anderson Observer
Anderson County took another step toward a new detention center Tuesday, giving tentative approval to moving ahead with a new plan for a 608-bed facility at the current jail site.
The new facility would replace the aging jail, which was built in 1956, where currently more than 400 inmates are housed, 219 percent over maximum operational capacity of 196.
“Drastic” increases in the cost of materials and labor have driven the original cost estimates up from $55 million to $72 million. The county has worked with Mosley Architecture redesign plans for the new detention center as a two-story facility, which will reduce costs and maintain space on the property for future growth.
“The good news is the county is moving ahead the construction process on a new detention center,” said Anderson County Administrator Rusty Burns. “And, despite costs, we will be able to do it without raising taxes.”
Detention Center Director Capt. David Baker said if all goes well construction could begin next year.
County council approved the issuance of bonds not exceeding $55 million in September, but the council-appointed Anderson County Detention Facilities Corporation said that number will change.
“We have to build with growth in mind,” said County Council Chairman Brett Sanders, who serves as president of the group created to meet legal requirements for the project. “The 608-bed facility plan is the only option that would put us in that position.”
Baker said the current bonds would not cover the cost of a new facility, but that the challenge of finding the funding was something within reach without raising taxes.
“We do expect costs to drop before we get to the construction phase,” said Baker. “We also have some other opportunities of revenue streams for the facility.”
Housing federal inmates, juvenile inmates and other potential changes could close the gap on the cost differences.
The proposed facility would also allow for better supervision with fewer employees.
Indirect supervision is a method of supervising inmates whereby correctional officers monitor inmate living areas from enclosed posts, helping avoid as much direct, personal interaction with inmates.
The new facility will also offer options for better service for those with serious mental health issues.
Once final details are worked out, the new facility is expected to be completed and occupied in less than three years.
The current facility opened in 1956 a capacity of 150 inmates. In 1992 two buildings were added, one to house up to 50 women and the other for trustees.