Future jail projections include an inmate projection of 139 per day and a need for a 175 bed facility by 2050. That information was presented to the Geary County Commission in a feasibility study report by Justice Planners on average inmate population and length of stay on Monday. Commission Chairman Keith Ascher noted that another firm is also working on a study on the architectural issues facing the facility.
The current jail is not sufficient. The original structure dates back to the 1950s and there have been three add-ons. Justice planners reported that the building design is not modern, sight lines in the facility are tough and it's difficult to get inmates time out of cell and fresh air. Among challenges noted are space and poor design.
The average new inmate population after four months of 2025 totaled under six per day. Longer stays for inmates are up from 2024. The average length of stay is also predicted to increase in the future.
There have not been any final decisions on the next course of action for county officials when it comes to renovating the current facility or building a new jail.
A local committee consisting of law enforcement, county and judicial representatives is expected to be formed to work on the project.