The Riley County Law Board on Monday discussed plans to potentially renovate and expand the Riley County Jail to address issues with overcrowding.
Derrick Baker with Baker McMillan Architects suggested several solutions such as more personnel and space by using 20-year crime data statistics.
In addition to suggesting expansion with more personnel, he added that adding a shaded break area could help officers when it comes to their wellbeing.
“Speaking back to that aspect of wellbeing,” he said. “Giving our officers a shaded break room or a break area outside so they can get away from the hustle and bustle and go out and relax for a little bit and then head back into work.”
In the plan proposed by Baker, the project to renovate and expand the jail would cost around $24 million with renovations totaling out to around $5.2 million and new construction would cost around $19.4 million. The recommendations came from a feasibility study conducted by the department.
The plan would look to add increased capacity to cells, add more programmed spaces for inmates, increase administration addition, give space for outside agencies and partners, increase parking and additions for future growth in mind.
Board member John Matta thanked Baker for the report and said it definitely is an eye opener for him and the county.
“I think this is a wake-up call for all the things we spend money on,” he said. “As some of you know the city has been having some financial issues and with this covering the next 20 years, we have take into consideration these requests.”
No vote was taken on the matter as board members will continue to discuss the matter in the future.