Graves County officials discuss obtaining a new jail

Graves County Fiscal Court is sharing information concerning a new jail.  

The price tag for a new jail is $24,000,000 to $50,000,000 depending on size. 

After the December, 2021 tornado, all county inmates went to other county jails, some of which were on the other side of the state. During this time, the county inmate population soared to over 250 due to many factors, one factor being the lack of a court facility to process offenders. Unfortunately, this occurred post-Covid which made processing more difficult. 

As Graves County lost their court facilities, cases were not processed, which increased the inmate count. 

The inmate count has since trended down now to an average of 169 last fiscal year. With fewer county inmates, a couple things have changed. Inmates are now housed closer to Graves County and General Fund transfers to cover the jails budget shortfalls are slightly reduced.

Graves County is not able to bond tens of millions of dollars to build a new jail and the Graves County Fiscal Court does not believe it is wise or responsible to pass that cost along to taxpayers. 

The court believes the low tax environment of the county is an asset and they do not want to burden the taxpayers with generational debt. 

In the short-term, action is being taken by the Graves County Fiscal Court and Jail. 

First, housing inmates closer to home makes it easier and safer for deputies transporting and additionally saves on fuel and vehicle maintenance costs. Housing agreements and contracts are currently being discussed with nearby counties and their respective Jailers. 

They are hopeful this will not only ease the strain on the budget, but also provide safer transfer for jail deputies. Second, establishing a Jail Operations Center will provide much needed support not only to our jail staff, but also to the Circuit and District Court System. 

The JOC will house offices, cells and additional space not currently available. By adding this building, individuals who are arrested on nights and weekends will be able to be housed in Graves County and not transported until day shift. 

Both of these initiatives are currently in progress. While rebuilding a jail is by no means a guarantee, the county is hopeful that funds will be allocated by the state.