Progress continues on new Sullivan County Jail

BLOUNTVILLE — Sullivan County is continuing to make progress on its new $118 million jail, with funding secured for some new staff members.The new jail is set to open in phases and will increase inmate capacity, adding 784 beds.The Sullivan County Commission recently approved $804,266.76 to hire 30 of the 59 new positions needed for the expanded facility. The remaining positions are expected to be included in the upcoming fiscal budget.Chief Jail Administrator Lee Carswell has been working with county officials to minimize staffing. While the County Technical Assistance Service initially recommended hiring 106 new employees, the county reduced the figure to 59, which includes 40 correctional officers, four inmate work crew members, one training officer, one population manager, four shift sergeants, four LPNs, four RNs and one detox registered nurse.Carswell said that staff and materials will begin moving into the new facility in May, with the first inmates expected to be transferred between mid and late June. Full occupancy is anticipated by December."The cells and kitchen are almost complete," Carswell said. "We're moving forward with getting everything else in place."One of the most notable improvements in the new jail will be the inclusion of independent two-person cells and disability-accessible cells, designed to enhance safety and reduce overcrowding. The expansion also provides more open space and updated equipment.In August, the Sullivan County Commission approved a $30 million bond issue for the new jail to build out an extension on the upper level, which will add 224 beds. Carswell said the funding also went to HVAC issues at the existing jail and constructing a new roof.The bulk of the funding for the new jail came from an $80 million bond issue approved by the commission in 2020. This is payable over 20 years at an interest rate of 1.54%, and contributed to a 9-cent increase in the county's property tax rate beginning in 2021.Additionally, $10 million from the American Rescue Plan Act contributed to the funding.Carswell said there is no shortfall for funding, and construction is expected to be completed with the funding received.Comparisons with other counties show Sullivan County's costs are in line with regional trends, Carswell said.The Putnam County Jail expansion, for example, added 485 beds and required 60 new staff members at a cost of $52 million. Meanwhile, Hamblen County expanded its facility to include 586 beds, hiring 49 new staff members at a cost of $100 million.Carswell also said that overtime costs for jail staff remain high. Between July 1, 2023, and June 30, 2024, overtime expenses totaled $288,259.78. From July 1, 2024, to Feb. 14, 2025, they amounted to $116,523.49. The additional staff members that are expected to be hired will help lower these costs.Construction on the jail began in March 2022 and is situated on about three acres adjacent to the current jail in Blountville. Unlike the current facility, the new jail has been designed to eliminate blind spots, create clear sight lines and make transportation of inmates more efficient.A central guard room is located on the second floor of the new jail, with glass windows facing out to the units. The jail also will feature state-of-the-art security systems, including extensive video surveillance, according to Carswell.