Jan. 8—JEFFERSON — Ashtabula County Commissioners and representatives of the Ashtabula County Sheriff’s Department reviewed various challenges facing the county jail.
Ashtabula County Commissioner Casey Kozlowski called the meeting to order with the stated purpose of finding ways to repair areas of the jail that are in disrepair and moving towards a decision on whether to build a new jail or renovated the existing one.
Ashtabula County Sheriff William Niemi said there are a variety of short-term issues that must be addressed, such as black mold, disintegrating counters and locks that are not functioning properly.
“It is a safety issue,” Niemi said.
The possibility of using existing lock doors from the former Ashtabula County Youth Detention Facility to be retrofitted for the jail was discussed by Niemi and the commissioners.
Ashtabula County Administrator Janet Discher said the facility can be accessed easily to review the options.
The commissioners are facing a March 3 deadline to apply for some of the $50 million available for grants to build jails through the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections.
The commissioners have discussed applying for a $15 million grant and adding $15 million they have saved for the project and then fill in the financial blanks from there through bonds or other means.
Eric B, Ratts, of DLZ in Columbus, attended the meeting to discuss several proposals regarding renovating the present jail or creating a new one at a separate location.
The commissioners and Niemi discussed the potential savings and extra costs of each project. The renovated jail would be a 209-room facility and the new jail would be much larger.
“What direction are we going?” Kozlowski said at one point in the proceedings.
Ratts said it is difficult to balance the present needs versus future needs, but provided some mathematical formulas to assist in the project. He said the approved efficiency of a new facility can help reduce costs, but the overall up front investment may not bring down overall costs.
The commissioners also had to factor in the costs a new site would bring, including land acquisition, infrastructure improvements and other expenses that could arise.
Ashtabula County Commissioners Kathryn Whittington and J.P. Ducro asked questions related to whether a renovation would put future leaders in a position to deal with any needed changes.
“I favor the expansion on our existing footprint,” Niemi said.
Whittington and Ducro said they are becoming more accepting to the possible renovation and expansion at the present site.
“In reality this is almost a new jail,” Ratts said of the proposed expansion option.
The leaders decided to hold a noon meeting with elected officials next Tuesday to discuss the project and what challenges might be faced with construction occurring on the property over a long period of time.
Discher said it would be a good idea to discuss the idea on a wider basis before making a final decision.
Ratts will likely be asked to work on the grant application as a consultant if the commissioners decide to move in that direction, according to discussion at the meeting.