Marshall County officials look to ramp up discussions on an addition to the Marshall County Jail as the jail population continues to climb.
Sheriff Matt Hassel told the Marshall County Commissioners Monday morning that the population was up to 245 inmates.
Commission President Kevin Overmyer said the jail was originally built to include two new pods, if needed, and now is the time to increase discussions on building another pod onto the jail.
One pod could be used as a work release facility. Sheriff Hassel said a study is being done to see how many inmates qualify for work release to make sure the facility will be viable. The inmates currently serving time in the jail will need to be evaluated to see if they qualify for work release.
Nonetheless, Overmyer said something needs to be done soon.
“If something happens in one of the pods, you don’t have any place to move them,” said Overmyer.
“That’s right,” commented Sheriff Hassel.
Overmyer continued, “Our maintenance people have to go in there in the population and do their work. It’s just not a safe environment right now.”
Sheriff Hassel said the county will have to move forward with the intergovernmental agreement with Elkhart County to alleviate the jail population issue. A draft of the agreement remains under review with Elkhart County officials and has yet to be signed by the Marshall County Commissioners. The Marshall County Council did approve an additional appropriation in May for $25,000 to house inmates at the Elkhart County Jail with the rate at $40 a day plus all medical costs.
A mezzanine project will force inmates to move out of one pod and there is no space at the Marshall County Jail for the inmates to go.
A decision on the next step is expected soon.
