County Commissioners concerned about jail conditions

June 20, 2006 02:45 PM

CORPUS CHRISTI - Nueces County Commissioners said they're concerned about conditions inside the jail, after U.S. Marshals removed 55 federal inmates from the jail last Friday.

Sheriff Rebecca Stutts said the Nueces County Jail never shuts down. 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year people are inside the jail. So she said plumbing problems are bound to happen.

"When you look at 25,000 approximately that come through these doors every year and it's a 24 hour operation, it's non stop. You have to look at not only the age but the amount of use," said Sheriff Stutts.

Some of the biggest problems include clogged toilets and a lack of water pressure according to the sheriff, inside the over 30-year-old building.

"You're going to have instances, I think with the type of population we have, that we will have problems, and there is no doubt in my mind. We have a facility, possibly an aging facility that requires updating...to be updated and upkeep. No doubt," said Commissioner Peggy Banales.

Commissioner Chuck Cazalas said he's concerned with the conditions as well and would like a full report on problems this week. Problems, Sheriff Stutts said she's working on daily.

"The jail is a constant concern. The jail is something that any jail administrator, any sheriff will tell you, that is the focus of those administrators," Stutts said.

Commissioners said the potential loss of nearly $1 million per year for housing the inmates will hurt.

"Well it will probably have quite an impact on the county, however what I think is more important is that we resolve the issue. And I know the sheriff is working on doing that."

Sheriff Stutts said while Marshals did not approve of the jail conditions, the facility has received all necessary certification.

The U.S. Marshalls Service pay $45 per day to the county for housing federal inmates. For example, if the county held 60 federal inmates per day, it would mean revenue of $2,700 per day. In a year, that's a loss of $985,500 - nearly a million dollars.

The Marshalls took those inmates to jails in six other counties: Aransas, Jim Wells, Victoria, Karnes, Bee and Brooks. Officials with the Marshalls office said they will consider bringing the inmates back in the future, but no time table has been set.

The Aransas County Jail in Rockport, now houses about 70 federal inmates. Officials there said they have done a wonderful job with the inmates. This also means that Aransas County receives the $45 per day.

Sheriff Mark Gilliam said the federal money they've received over the past year has helped hire about five new people. He also said that federal inmates are actually the easiest to deal with.

Online Reporter: Shaun Hegarty