By Ryan Duey

As mold remediation progressed at the Marshall County jail, discussions continued about its future. Sheriff Tim Ackerman had closed the jail on May 16 to address mold, transferring inmates to Washington County Jail. The building was fogged, and air spreaders were considered for improved ventilation. Costs were estimated at $15,000 to $17,000. Dispatch and officers were temporarily relocated.

Commissioners and Jay Herrmann of AHRS Construction discussed modifying a previously rejected plan for a new jail. They reviewed the design, aiming to cut costs by splitting the project into phases. A rough estimate for the detention unit was 8,349 square feet at $600 per square foot, excluding additional site work. Commissioners asked Herrmann to collaborate with architect Jeff Lane for more specific estimates and ideas for remodeling the existing jail. Previous proposals to build a new jail had been rejected by voters in April and November 2023.