By By Lisa Tindell
Population at the Escambia County Detention Center could be growing following the County Commissions approval of a request made by Sheriff Grover Smith Monday.
Smith told the commission the increase in funding for the additional inmates would bring in enough revenue to upgrade some services at the facility.
Federal funds of $30.66 per day, per inmate go into the county coffers for expenses related to housing inmates, County Administrator Tony Sanks said.
Smith requested in increase in the amount of those federal funds earmarked for feeding inmates housed at the facility.
Commissioners agreed to the increase, which will go into effect immediately.
Sanks said. “With overcrowding in federal prisons, it is necessary that inmates be housed in other facilities. This is a common practice across the state.”
The maximum number of 50 federal inmates could be in the local facility in a very short time, Sanks said.
Smith said typical population at the Escambia County Detention Center runs between 175 to 185 inmates at any given time.
More growth is being seen in the county with construction on the Escambia County Dental Clinic already underway. The clinic is located adjacent to the Escambia County Health Department near the Brewton Medical Center just off Belleville Avenue.
Among contracts awarded Monday was a nearly $77,000 award to R&D Construction. The contract will cover the cost of block work, shingles, roofing, painting and ceiling work at the facility, Sanks said.
Other contracts awarded for the clinic construction included $350 to Knox Pest Control; $4,750 to Phipps Cabinets; $3,066 to Swift Supply for insulation; $7,880 to Lomax Owens Masonry; and $18,658 to Terry Bell Construction.
In other business, the commission: