First a little history: In 2008 the voters passed as ½ cent sales tax to build and operate a new jail. In 2010, the jail was completed and became operational in October of that year. The language on the 2008 sales tax ballot calls to sunset ¼ cent of this tax when the bonds for the building are paid in full. This will occur in 2027, ahead of the original payout do to the planning and re-financing of the project by the County Commission and County Clerk. This refinancing and funds saved during the original construction will save the county nearly 1 million dollars in interest cost alone because of the earlier payout.
As with any building, equipment has an end-of-life cycle and needs to be update and/or replaced to maintain the integrity of the operations. The security cameras and security electronics that operate within the jail 24 hours per day every day. The cost to replace these systems is estimated at $300,000.00
We have been blessed to be able to sell jail beds to other counties to hold their inmates to increase income to the county. With the building of new jails in Webster County, Benton County and Greene County, that need will be reducing significantly over the next year or two. Additionally, the State of Missouri is nearly $40 million dollars in arrears to County Jails across the state in prisoner per diem reimbursements. With these reductions, the operations of the jail will become more of a local effort to support.
Lastly, our calls for service continue to grow not only in volume but also in the areas of increased officer safety issues. There are many days that we have only one deputy patrolling and responding the calls for service. These increases also create overtime and additional maintenance for our vehicles and other equipment. If you have questions please call my office at 660-885-7300. Sheriff J. Kent Oberkrom
