Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Committe to talk about the jail

The Nevada County Jail is to be the topic of discussion for a newly-formed committee. The decision to create a group to look into the options for funding a new facility was made at the January meeting of the Nevada County Quorum Court at the request of Nevada County Sheriff Bobby Carlton.

The jail became the topic of discussion when members of the quorum court were given a report on the current status of the jail. Plumbing problems, a lack of light in specific areas and too few people on duty at the jail were among the deficiencies listed.

Carlton said the plumbing problem was at the top of the list. He said he is currently seeking bids to replace a significant amount of the current plumbing system.

If we get the plumbing all fixed, well be able to use all the jail cells, Carlton told members of the jail committee.

The committee planned to meet Jan. 11, but the meeting was postponed due to the lack of a quorum.

Carlton said that several cells are not being used because of the plumbing problems. He said that if those problems are solved, the jail would have a cell to be used for a drunk tank - one of the deficiencies listed on the jail report.

At least two of the deficiencies listed are not likely to be solved, Carlton said. One of those is a shortage of personnel. Carlton said the jail report indicates that there are not enough jailers on duty at any given time, but he said the county simply doesnt have the money available to budget for extra jailers.

Another point is the lack of exercise space. The jail has no indoor exercise area and no space to allow for inside activities. Carlton said he is looking into adding activities in the outdoor exercise area.

Carlton said the problem of space has been addressed. Several of the officers and staff have been moved across the street into the 911 building. With that change, the administrative offices for the jail can be used for other purposes.

Carlton said one of the main reasons for the change is for the public. He said the public who have business at the sheriffs office can now handle most of that business without entering the jail.

Its a better environment, more controlled, Carlton said.