Adding a kitchen as a security measure is part of a renovation and expansion project in the works at the Cheboygan County Jail.
The county just approved plans for the $2.2 million project.
The sheriff says it will not only make the jail safer but it will also save the county money.
9&10’s Aaron Parseghian gives us a look at the planned renovations and how they’ll help Cheboygan County.
”The highest priority is the safety and security of this jail,” said Cheboygan County Sheriff Dale Clarmont.
It sounds strange but building a kitchen could make the jail more secure.
“We would do everything internal. There’s absolutely opportunity for things to get into this jail that should not be here, anything from drugs to weapons and that is my number one concern, is to eliminate as much as possible,” added Sheriff Clarmont.
Safety is the top priority, but the sheriff says the project would also save the county money in the long run.
The jail currently spends $3.50 per plate, per meal. Making food in house would cut that cost by more than half.
“We serve around 81,000 plates per year, which equates to a substantial savings to the taxpayers of Cheboygan County,” explained Sheriff Clarmont.
The plan is to also expand other parts of the jail and county building.
“The last expansion we had was back in the 1970s, we like many communities have a need for some additional space,” said Cheboygan County Administrator Jeffery Lawson.
The county says the project would pay for itself.
“When we did the cost analysis there we looked at the cost we are paying right now for food production outside our facilities, bringing that back in we do expect to have a return to pay for the projection,” added Lawson.
“It’s a win-win, for taxpayers of Cheboygan County and it’s also a win for not only the deputies that work here, but the community itself,” said Sheriff Clarmont.
The project is expected to break ground in spring of 2018.
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