Ohio County Jail Could Shut Down

Its only a matter of time before one of the oldest jails in Kentucky closes. The Ohio County jail is more than a half a century old and the department of corrections could shut it down. Thats why the dentention centers jailer is looking at alternatives. But what effect will that have on the countys economy? Ohio county jailer Gerry Wrright says the 66 year old building has been a blessing. But its beyond outdated and the state is in the process of closing down jails just like it. Now its time for the county to look at building a new jail or closing the jail completely and shipping inmates out of the area. But can they afford either option? From the outside its hard to tell what goes on in this historic brick building. Inside the bars and inmates give it away, its just hard to know what century youre in. The Ohio County Detention Center is going on 70. "1940 when they started. 1941 when they opened the door," says Jailer Gerry Wright. Thats why jailer Wright says its time to do something. "This old jail connot move forward." Not only because it doesnt fit current jail standards with three levels, no control rooms and no handicapped access But the department of corrections has already shut down 8 similar jails in less than 10 years. "Im hoping itll be two to three years." In spite of its age the county gets a lot of the jail like free services - at point point they estimated 800 thousand dollars worth. Among other jobs - inmates landscape county buildings. Its one of many reasons wright wants to build another jail in the county. "Our law enforcement needs to stay in the county." But building a new facility will cost 10 to 14 million dollars. "We do not have that revenue that I know of." The other option is transporting inmates to another county. Wright says that could cost more than a million dollars a year. No matter what happens, they have to make a decision before the state closes the historic Ohio County jail. The judge executive is putting together a committee of tax payers to study whats best for the jail. Wright suggests if it costs more than a million dollars a year to transport inmates they should keep the jail in county.