County Approves $246,668 for Jail

RISON - After a lengthy discussion, the Cleveland County Quorum Court unanimously approved a motion to spend almost $300,000 for new doors, locks, plumbing and electrical work at the county jail to help keep it in compliance with state standards. Sheriff Jack Rodgers asked the quorum court during its regular monthly meeting Tuesday night for the money to make the repairs that will keep the jail in compliance with with the Arkansas Criminal Detention Facilities Standards. In addition, County Judge Jimmy Cummings told the quorum court it could cost up to $100,000 to have a membrane roofing material installed on the flat portion of the roof over the county jail and tax collector's office. The quorum court even-tually decided to seek additional bids on that project. Sheriff Rodgers told the court during its July meeting that the state was set to inspect the jail that month. He said the jail would not pass inspection, and he said he would simply have to close the jail if improvements were not made. While the state did inspect the jail, Sheriff Rodgers told the quorum court Tuesday night that the state agreed to hold off on taking action now to give the county time to correct the problems. On July 22, a jail facility specialist with Detention Service, LLC of San Antonio, Texas, visited the county jail located inside the courthouse complex to see what improvements would be made to keep it in compliance with the state standards. The main problems with the jail, according to the sheriff, were faulty doors and locks as well as some issues with the stainless steel toilets and sinks, and the electrical system. Detention Services submitted two separate bids to address those issues: one for $251,800 to replace 10 jail doors and locks, and a second bid of $40,650 to replace the toilets and sinks, rewire the lighting inside the jail, and replace the light covers. In total, the two bids came to $292,450. Howeve...