Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Turner discusses jail issue with Rotarians

The county jail was the topic of discussion during the Gurdon Rotarys Feb. 8 meeting. Clark County Sheriff David Turner told the group that his goal is to have put all the facts before the county officials before the voters are asked to approve a tax to pay for a new facility.

I think the taxpayers need to know where the money is going, Turner said. I think we need to get a plan together.

Turner said there have been two basic trains of thought - to build a new jail or to add onto the existing structure. There are some problems with the idea of adding on, according to Turner.

He said the existing jail does not meet current standards, and that the law would require that the existing building be remodeled if a new section were added to that structure. The cost of that remodeling job makes that a less-than-attractive option, according to Turner.

Instead, Turner said he is in favor of building a 100-bed facility on four acres near the current jail.

We should build it big enough so we dont have to do anything for at least 10 years, he said.

To support his choice, Turner has gathered some facts and figures.

Turner said the cost per meal in 2006 was $2.80. That cost would be significantly lowered if the jail had its own kitchen and produced the meals for inmates - perhaps by as much as $2 per meal. Inmate meals are provided by Baptist Medical Center-Arkadelphia and Turner said the hospital officials have assured him that the loss of that income would not hurt the local facility.

Another important fact is that police departments without space pay to house their prisoners in other county facilities.

Turner said the county invests significant man hours and money in the transportation and housing of county detainees when theres no room at the county jail. He said the county has numerous outstanding warrants that could be served if there was space to house inmates.

In addition, Turner said Clark County could be on the receiving end of that by providing space for counties that need a place to house prisoners.

Another positive point of building a larger facility is the option to have a commissary. Turner said inmates or family members could deposit money into a commissary account. They could then spend that money for snacks and other approved extras that would be delivered by a predetermined company.

The benefit for the county is that money could be withdrawn if the inmate owes money to the county. For example, the county could deduct the cost if an inmate destroys a mattress in the jail. The cost of doctors visits, prescriptions and other expenses could also be deducted.

Turner said his opinion is that the jail could eventually be profitable or at least self-sufficient.

Im trying my best to find everything I can to defray the cost, he said. We all need to sit down and think about this rationally.

Turner cited his open-door policy and encouraged anyone with questions to ask.