By Kimberly McMillian
Correspondent
DAYTON, Tenn. - The Rhea County Jail could lose its certification after a recent inspection if improvements aren't made before Nov. 1.
Tennessee Corrections Institute Inspector Barry Suttles cited the jail for exceeding its certification capacity of 87 inmates. The jail had 104 inmates at the time of the Sept. 1 inspection. Nearly one-fourth are women, records show.
The jail, built in 1973 and renovated in 2004, averages 94 inmates and during the inspection included 11 who are awaiting transfer to state prison.
The jail could operate without certification, but the county could have liability issues if the overcrowded conditions continue, TCI Assistant Director Peggy Sawyer said. Insurance premiums could increase or lapse if state requirements for inmate capacity aren't met, she said.
Sawyer said a "legitimate plan" of action would need to be submitted to the institute's Board of Control.
The state inspection reports also said the jail didn't meet state facility hygiene and documentation requirements.
Sawyer said quarterly inspections for the jail's generator weren't documented properly, and that showers had mold and needed to be painted.
She said many of the problems could be fixed before the reinspection and would satisfy many of the Board of Control's requirements.
In an interview before his Aug. 5 re-election, Sheriff Mike Neal said the county "will soon have to address the overcrowded conditions at the jail which have contributed to necessary budget adjustments."
The County Commission's Jail Committee met recently to discuss a plan of action before the November inspection. The committee includes Neal, several commissioners, County Executive George Thacker, District Attorney General Mike Taylor and Sessions Court Judge James McKenzie, among others.
At the committee meeting, Neal said the county needed to "work toward a justice center" similar to what's in surrounding counties and acquire land that would allow for later expansion.
Committee members agreed to consider building a new justice center in the county. If one is built, the current facility would be used for record storage and offices.
The Rhea County Courthouse now surrounds the jail, located off Second Avenue in Dayton.
Kimberly McMillian is based in Rhea County. Contact her at kdj424@bellsouth.net.