LATAH COUNTY, Idaho — For years, the Latah County jail facility has been under scrutiny due to various and costly safety issues.
RELATED: Fire code issues could force the Latah County Jail to close
On Tuesday, the Latah County Sheriff’s Office announced its facility, built in 1972, would start being used as a court holding and booking facility during normal business hours.
Inmates awaiting arraignment or bond eligibility would be taken to the Nez Perce County jail after hours per a pending contract between the two counties.
It is estimated that it would cost $13 million to address issues with fire suppression, plumbing, electrical, and camera systems at the Latah County jail, which would only extend the facility’s use by a maximum of ten years.
In comparison, it is estimated that a brand new facility would cost about the same amount of money.
RELATED: Officials consider multiple options for the future of Latah County jail
The Latah County Sheriff’s Office said the transition for the jail to be a court holding facility will start no later than October 1, 2025.
Sheriff Richard Skiles and his team are working with county commissioners to develop a long-term plan and secure the necessary funding for a new jail.
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