Inside new county jail.. Photo by Samantha Watters
The workhouse will be run out of the current jail annex used for housing low-risk inmates. These inmates are known as “trustees,” and by law must be housed at a separate location of the actual jail. Sheriff Steve Graves says this will help keep contraband out of the new 400-bed facility located on the Hillsboro Highway.
Regular inmates will begin to be moved from the current jail to the new facility beginning May 4.
The costs to keep the workhouse open is currently estimated at $90,000 for renovation and $600,000 per year to operate, including utilities.
The existing workhouse holds 48 inmates, but is expected to be certified for up to 64 after renovation.
The workhouse is currently under the charge of the sheriff, but by 2017 the program will be run by the Coffee County mayor.
An open house for the public will be held at the new jail on Hillsboro Highway from 1-5 p.m. Saturday, April 25.
