Kilgore looks at closing city jail

After last week's tragic fourth suicide at Kilgore municipal jail, the city council is slated to hear alternatives next week to the city housing inmates.

Kilgore books an average of 1,500 inmates annually, with the majority being Class C misdemeanors such as warrants, capeas and citations. Approximately 600 of the inmates booked are booked for Class B misdemeanors and above, including felonies.

Ronnie Moore, director of public safety, plans to propose that council either agree to contract with Gregg County to house Kilgore inmates or close the facility all together.

Housing inmates at Gregg County Jail would cost the city $39.75 per inmate, per day — a total cost of approximately $230,00 per year.

The alternative to closing the jail is hiring at least four fulltime corrections officers at a cost of approximately $42,000 annually with competitive salary and benefits package.

"My recommendation is we contract with Gregg County," Moore said. "The extra cost is worth the savings to the city in liability."

Building a new jail could cost upwards of $1 million after razing the existing facility, design, construction and updated technology.

Moore is unsure what council will recommend but is optimistic that liabilities will be eliminated.

"I am at my wit's end trying to figure out what to do," Moore said. "We made all those changes after the last (suicide). I'm just beside myself on this most recent death and surprised that it even happened."

Following discussion on the jail facility, council is scheduled to open the second of two Public Hearings on the proposed tax rate for the coming fiscal year.

Council will also hold a public hearing on the proposed 2008/2009 budget.

Kilgore City Council meets 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 8 at Kilgore City Hall in Council Chambers.