VERNON, Ind.–Jennings County residents spilled out of the meeting room at the Vernon Government Center last night as a public hearing was held concerning the new jail project in the county. Constituents, county officials, and law enforcement vocalized concerns about numerous issues with the proposed project.
Many were upset at the prospective tax increases that would be necessary with a project of this scope. Others were concerned that the project has been delayed when overcrowding became an issue over a decade ago. The current jail has the capacity to hold 100 inmates, but Sheriff Gary Driver recently reported that 216 are incarcerated at the facility.
Besides overcrowding, the building itself is in disrepair. Issues range from black mold to an inadequate HVAC system that was estimated to need $750,000 to restore.
Presently, the county sends females and juveniles to other facilities, per state policy. The next meeting regarding the jail project is Tuesday, October 2, at 6 p.m. The public is invited to attend.