Wednesday, December 24, 1997
Eastland jail needs expansion
By MAYBELLE TROUT / ARN Correspondent
EASTLAND -- The Texas Commission on Jail Standards has recommended
Eastland County double its current capacity.
The Eastland County Jail, constructed in 1980, failed its last
inspection because of overcrowding. The jail now has 24 beds,
and the commission's recommendation of 48 beds was a topic of
discussion among county commissioners Monday as they met in regular
session.
Though the county arrest rate is just 1.2 per 1,000 people,
the commission's study noted that the jail normally operates at
117 percent capacity, which is not acceptable.
The report noted that the Eastland County Jail accepts prisoners
from Eastland, Cisco, Ranger, Gorman and Rising Star police departments,
and also people arrested by the Department of Public Safety, Texas
Rangers, the game warden, constables, lake patrols and the license
and weight officer.
The commission's report said the presence of Interstate 20
and other highways, seasonal workers, industry workers, junior
college students, vacationers and hunters also contributed to
overcrowding.
"It's in the cards to expand the jail," concluded
County Judge Scott Bailey, who noted that designers and builders
already had been in contact.
Commissioners agreed that designs for adding needed beds, including
projected costs would be sought. Financing would also be studied,
they said.
In other business, commissioners voted to observe Columbus
Day, Oct. 12, 1998, as a holiday, rather than Independence Day,
because Independence Day falls on Saturday.
Lastly, auditor Cameron Gulley reported the county finished
the year in good financial condition.
"You had a year you've needed to have for some time,"
he said.
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Copyright ©1997,
Abilene Reporter-News / Texnews / E.W. Scripps Publications
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