County staff weigh using opioid funds to create a padded safety cell for short-term holds

County staff told the Chickasaw County Board of Supervisors April 6 that they are exploring using opioid-committee funds to convert a single jail cell into a padded safety cell intended for short-term holds for people in opioid or similar crises.

Staff described a comparable project in Clayton County that converted a 20-year-old cell for just over $30,000 and said the county’s estimated cost for a similar renovation would likely fall in a $30,000–$40,000 range depending on plumbing and mechanical work needed (removing a standard toilet, adding a center drain and installing padding). Staff said they checked with the state jail inspector, who reportedly supported the idea as an inmate and staff safety improvement and a county liability reducer.

No formal funding decision was made at the meeting. Staff asked for board input and requested authorization to solicit contractor quotes and return to the opioid committee or board with specific pricing and a recommendation. The board acknowledged limited allowable uses for opioid funds and asked staff to provide firm estimates before committing funds.

Because the transcript does not consistently identify the presenter by name, statements are summarized from the county staff presentation. Staff will obtain quotes and report back to the opioid committee to determine whether to use committee funds for the renovation.