02/26/2024

CCAO releases analysis of CCAO-BSSA Jail Project Survey

CCAO is happy to share the analysis of a survey conducted in conjunction with the Buckeye State Sheriffs' Association concerning county jail projects.

The survey, conducted from December 2023 through January 2024, is an update on a similar survey conducted in 2019. The original survey found a statewide need of $1.4 billion for jail construction, renovation, expansion, and repair. The new survey has found that figure increased to $2.2 billion.

In addition to the significant increase during the gap between the two surveys, the new survey found that individual project costs were coming in 41.5% higher than the initial quote, on average.

County jails are facing pressures due to the rising need for drug addiction and mental health service provision to keep inmates healthy and an increasing population of female inmates. Those two factors, along with the need to enhance safety for corrections staff, are the primary drivers of jail projects.

The survey's findings support CCAO's request for $250 million through the capital budget for jail construction and renovation. This funding is currently contained in House Bill 2, recently passed by the House. CCAO encourages our members to engage with your senators concerning jail needs in your county and the findings in the CCAO-BSSA survey.

If you have questions concerning the survey, please contact CCAO Research Analyst Nick Ciolli at nciolli@ccao.org.