On May 1st, Baxter County Sheriff’s Office personnel met with the Building and Grounds Committee of the Baxter County Quorum Court to discuss the ever growing problem of lack of jail space at the Baxter County Detention Center.  The Detention Center has been operating at or near capacity for several years and has experienced extended periods of significant overcrowding on a regular basis.  In additional to general overcrowding, there exists the specific problem of lack of isolated or specialized bed space for high risk and other types of offenders who cannot safely be placed in the dormitory-type housing pods. 

     After discussing the issue and possible expansion of the jail, the Committee directed Sheriff Montgomery and Judge Pendergrass to meet with architects to discuss both the feasibility and cost to expand.  Judge Pendergrass, Sheriff Montgomery, and other key staff and personnel have been meeting with SouthBuild Team all this week to come up with plans, a proposal, and cost.  This proposal and suggested financing will be finalized and presented at a public meeting on Friday, June 2nd at 10:00 AM in the Second Floor Courtroom of the Baxter County Courthouse.  Public questions and comments will be welcomed at that time.

Sheriff John Montgomery