Scioto County just caught a break—and it’s coming in the form of $1.5 million in grant money that officials feared was lost forever.
The funds were originally awarded to build a standalone all-female jail, but that project was scrapped last year due to rising construction costs. “With the cost of everything going up, we realized it just wasn’t feasible,” said Commissioner Scottie Powell.
But now for the good news: The money isn’t going anywhere. Instead, the county has gotten the green light to use the funds to upgrade the existing jail, which houses both men and women.
🔧 What Will the Funds Be Used For?
Commissioners say the money will help modernize and repair critical systems in the 21-year-old facility, which has been showing signs of wear and tear:
- Failing locking systems (Don’t worry—they’re still locked. Just stubborn.)
- HVAC repairs
- Roofing upgrades
- Other essential infrastructure updates
“This is a big, big help,” said Commissioner Bryan Davis. “We hated that we weren’t able to do the women’s facility, but this is a better use of the money for Scioto County.”
🧯 Why This Matters Now:
Davis explained that other counties recently built their own new jails, reducing their need to pay Scioto County to house inmates. That’s cut into a key revenue stream.
The local jail has also become something of a revolving door, with individuals arrested multiple times in a week—only to be released shortly after. Additionally, as we’ve documented, local courts do their best not to lock anyone up for long, even when repeated arrests are involved.
“A few years ago, it wasn’t uncommon to have 200 people in our jail,” Davis said. “Now that number is closer to 190—and steadily dropping. Judges are working hard to keep people out of jail if possible.”
✅ Bottom Line:
- The canceled jail project won’t result in wasted money.
- The $1.5 million will go toward much-needed repairs and updates.
- County leaders say it’s a smarter, more efficient use of funds.
“We’re going to be able to refresh, remodel, and renew these vital systems,” said Davis. “It’s a big win.”
