Members of the county’s Courthouse and Property Committee met last Tuesday to hold a study session about future planning for the Juvenile Detention Services.

Essentially, it boils down to whether or not the county should invest in renovating the detention center, located on Lane Parkway, or begin exporting delinquents to other counties.

Both are costly options and would require the same number of staff, according to committee chair and Commissioner Julie Sanders.

“One of the reasons we need to do this is we’re at the point we’re going to have to make a decision about what we’re doing,” said Sanders.

The physical building of the detention center is in “deplorable” conditions. They have constant problems with the plumping, mechanical, electrical, and with the commercial kitchen. Costs for updating the building could be anywhere from $2.5 million to $5 million.

The fire alarm system needs to be upgraded. The current system is out-of-date and is difficult to find parts for.

The roof also needs to be repaired and would cost around $150,000 to $200,000.

The plumbing is in “bad shape,” according to one report from Bedford County Schools maintenance director Daniel Kleindienst, specifically with the fixtures and drains. The report also says they are constantly fighting sewer backups and leaks in the system.

Doors and other hardware would also need to be updated for security and functionality.

Having a center that is not only dysfunctional, but also overcrowded, could reap many more unseen consequences, according to youth services officer Rachel Swift. “It’s going to make officers not charge people and then you’re going to have more violence on the street,” said Swift. This is especially possible because the officer that charges the juvenile is in charge of transporting him or her.

They have about nine or 10 juveniles per week, according to juvenile center director Kelle Smith, while approximately 200 Bedford County juveniles are taken per year.

The county looked at renovating the workhouse next door and moving the services there, but according to Mayor Chad Graham it got “ruled out,” after state inspection. 

During a March study session, the committee looked at different factors for sending juveniles out of county.

If this is done, they must have a supervised 72-hour hold location. They would also be responsible for transportation for the juvenile’s court appearance, evaluations, and doctor’s appointments. Then, the cost per child is about $150 to $175 per day minimum. (To send to Rutherford County it would be $175, or to Putnam it would be $150).

Jarrod Swain, juvenile court director said, “The other issue is calling around, trying to find somewhere. That can become real irritating. And then you’ve got to get them there.”

To keep them in Bedford County, they would need 11 staff (one director, four sergeants, and six officers, as well as a nurse from the jail). They would need to service tow hot meals per day (about $500 per month). Transportation would still be a requirement in order to take the juveniles to court, evaluations, and doctor’s appointments. The cost estimate per Bedford County juvenile is $275 to $324.

The committee will host another study session at 6 p.m., May 9, in the Community Room of the Bedford County Courthouse.