Lexington County Faces Critical Decision on Overcrowded Detention Center Amid Growing Population Concerns

Lexington County Council Faces Tough Decision on Overcrowded Detention Center

In Lexington County, officials are grappling with a pressing issue that has been on the back burner for far too long: the overcrowded and aging Lexington County Detention Center. As we kick off October, the calls for a renovation or potentially a brand-new facility are louder than ever, and the clock is ticking.

Glimmer of Hope Amid Overcrowding

According to recent assessments, the current jail was established in the mid-1970s and has clearly seen better days. Councilmember Larry Brigham shared at a recent council committee meeting, “It’s in dire need of repair. It’s just something we need to stop kicking down the road. We need to pick the can up and do something about it.” And he’s not alone in feeling that way. The jail, which was designed for 599 beds, is currently housing around 668 inmates—many of whom are forced to sleep on the floor!

Projected Costs and Growing Pains

Deciding on whether to renovate or build a new facility is no small task. The cost to upgrade the existing jail has ballooned from an initial estimate of $44 million in 2020 to a staggering $88.3 million now. When you look at the option of building a new facility, that figure jumps up to around $131 million. Clearly, the rising prices of materials and inflation are weighing heavily on decision-makers.

The growing population of Lexington County—jumping from about 167,611 in 1990 to 293,991 in 2020—has compounded the urgency to act. The county has been discussing the potential for jail renovations since 2015—clearly, it’s been a long time coming!

A Sheriff’s Plea for Improvement

Lexington County Sheriff Jay Koon is optimistic about the council’s newfound focus on jail improvements. He emphasizes that even those behind bars deserve to live in a facility that meets their basic needs and rights. “We owe it to those folks and their families to provide a safe and secure facility that is in good working order,” Koon stated passionately.

With overcrowding as dire as it is, Koon has plans to expand the number of beds from 599 to a whopping 1,921 through gradual renovations, which would also include the construction of a new three-story housing building. Key areas of the current structure, such as the medical office, kitchen, and visitation areas, are also set for upgrades.

Looking to Neighbors for Inspiration

Interestingly, Lexington County isn’t alone in facing this challenge. Reports indicate that about 20 other counties in South Carolina are in various stages of building new detention centers or renovating older facilities. Koon hopes to glean insights from their experiences to guide Lexington County in its own journey.

Meanwhile, nearby Richland County, housing the infamous Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center, is considering an expansion rather than a full rebuild. This situation underscores the varied approaches counties are taking in addressing jail needs.

Next Steps and Moving Forward

As for when we can expect actual construction to begin, that’s still up in the air. The county administrator is set to meet with the county council later this year to delve into funding options, a crucial step in turning plans into reality. While completing such improvements will take a number of years, the energy among officials is rising, and many in the county remain hopeful.

In a community like Lexington, it’s clear that providing a functional jail is about much more than just bricks and mortar. It’s about addressing a pressing need that has long been overlooked, and while tackling it won’t be cheap, the human aspect of the project can’t be ignored. The next steps may shape Lexington County’s future for years to come.