Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: WEDNESDAY, February 9, 1994 TAG: 9402090142
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C-1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: JAN VERTEFEUILLE STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
The plan would provide 81 additional beds for inmates now sleeping in bedrolls on the floor. The board approved submitting the plan to the state for 25 percent reimbursement.
The jail still would require an addition later, Holt said, as its population continues to grow.
Half the inmates in the Roanoke County-Salem Jail have been sentenced to the state penal system but are serving time at the jail because of state prison overcrowding.
The revised plan involves implementing just part of the original plan, adding 81 beds to the 105-bed jail, which has housed as many as 204 prisoners on some weekends.
Holt estimated the cost at $2 million.
The state Department of Corrections and Salem City Council each will be asked to contribute 25 percent, leaving the county with a possible price tag of $1 million.
"Sheriff, you're getting a lot closer now," Supervisor Bob Johnson said. "What was it last time - $15 million? You're getting closer. . . . I think you're on the right track."
Although he liked the price of Holt's most recent proposal better, Johnson added that he believes the county needs a permanent solution to jail overcrowding.
Supervisor Harry Nickens raised the possibility of a regional jail to share the cost with other municipalities and to qualify for 50 percent state construction funding.
Nickens suggested allocating one bed each to Botetourt, Franklin or Craig counties and trying to make it a regional jail - at least on paper.
"I don't know if we can sneak that through legitimately," Nickens said.
Holt replied, "My gut reaction is that I don't think we can pull it off."
The sheriff's latest proposal involves finishing the sixth floor for "direct supervision" and adding a seventh floor, which would require a building code variance because of the height. The maintenance shop would be relocated off-site, with the kitchen expanding into that space to accommodate the increased number of inmates.
Holt said the 81 additional beds would be filled immediately.
The $15 million proposal he offered last month would "maximize the site" to accommodate 514 beds and would involve expanding the jail by building next door.
by CNB