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Medina County Jail looking at $12 million addition
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Bob Finnan
The Gazette

MEDINA — Major improvements could be coming to the 25-year-old Medina County Jail.

The Medina County Sheriff's Office has applied to the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction for a capital improvement local jail projects grant. The sheriff's office will apply for funding not to exceed $12,251,574 for the expansion of the jail.

Prior to COVID-19, the jail reached its maximum capacity and the county was required to house inmates at other locations, demonstrating a need to increase the jail's capacity.

The state has announced the availability of $50 million in funding assistance to local communities for the purposes of constructing, expanding and updating local jail facilities.

The sheriff's office wants to add one new wing with 100 more beds that will house inmates with misdemeanors and felonies. The transport division will need more vehicles and deputies. In addition, more mental health, substance abuse and medical professionals will be needed.

A new addition will alleviate any overcrowding of male and female wings and provide more services in the form of mental health, drug treatment and job placement.

The sheriff's office has yet to begin the formal planning process. It hopes to add 12,000 square feet, at $104,000 per bed.

Construction of the new pod would be overseen by Medina County Facilities Manager Steven Bastean, County Administrator Scott Miller and Medina County Sheriff Terry Grice.

The sheriff's office has already been awarded $100,000 from Senate Bill 310 for a lobby enhancement and security update.

Grice was out of the office Wednesday and not available for comment.

Contact reporter Bob Finnan at (330) 721-4049 or rfinnan@medina-gazette.com.

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