The need for a major upgrade or new detention center was one focus of the Geary County Commission and the County Public Building Commission this week.
New Sheriff Nate Boeckman said, "I do believe this is definitely a huge priority moving forward. It is my belief that the jail needs a lot of work."
For some time officials have focused on the project. In April of 202 4 some possible options were mentioned for financing a project. They included general obligation bonds that might have to go to an election, G.O. bonds which could be retired by sales tax revenues, OR having the Public Building Commission handle the project. No decisions have been made on funding.
This week during discussion there was support for providing tours of the jail for the public which could show the need. The current jail has 189 beds but many of those cannot be used. The average daily census is between 90 and 100 inmates.