Plans for new Montgomery County Jail on hold, sheriff cites lack of funding

Despite the need for a new jail an area county is having a hard time swallowing the more than $170 million price tag.

Montgomery County Sheriff Rob Streck said a pre-COVID community survey recommended a new facility.

The largest part of the building, which takes up almost a whole block in downtown Dayton, was designed in the 1950s and opened in 1964.

But when the county did a second study to explore the cost of a new jail, sticker shock set in when the estimated price tag came in between $172 million and $202 million.

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“That plan was expensive, at this point that plan is on hold,” Streck said.

People that study buildings believe its time for a new jail, based on that 1964 construction date.

“Buildings are usually built for 30 years ... I think they’re due,” Chuck Gast of Dayton said.

It would be tough convince taxpayers to foot the bill with high inflation rates already impacting family’s budgets.

Some say they’d consider it if a new facility lined up with community priorities.

“In Dayton, a lot of people here need mental health, I don’t have a problem paying more money if it is going to solve our problem,” Lionel Bertie said.

Streck agrees, saying the jail needs more space for inmates that have mental health conditions.

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He also wants a more modern option for expanded substance abuse programs and even improved medical care.

Streck said the county applied for state grants to help build a new jail but got turned down.

They will keep trying but the estimates were based on 2021 prices and don’t factor in inflation for currently prices.

“As of now plans are on hold, right now, someday we need a new facility,” Streck said.

The only way the new jail will be able to move forward is if the county can secure a state or federal grant as a building block to put a financing package together.

Until then, the current facility will have to meet the county’s needs.

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