Earlier this year, Iowa’s Chief Jail Inspector, Delbert Longley conducted a routine inspection at the Carroll County Jail in the courthouse and brought forth some issues that the county needed to address, including the housing of different inmates in the same areas. This morning (Monday), the Carroll County Board of Supervisors discussed the outcomes of a county-wide planning meeting that was held last week and the need to put together a committee to investigate the current issues and make recommendations on the future opportunities for the jail.
The supervisors discussed the framework of the committee that it is logical for Sheriff Ken Pingrey to be a member and Chair, Neil Bock, said he had approached Linda Frank, clerk of the Iowa District Court in Carroll County to act as a representative from the court side on the committee and she had agreed to serve. And, in addition to the County Auditor, Kourtney Irlbeck, the supervisors said they would like to see two representatives from the board sit on the committee as well. Dean Schettler brought up another possible member.
Zach Niehaus is the head of maintenance at the current building and on the safety committee and the supervisors felt he would be able to provide valuable insight. Bock said he had already approached Niehaus about providing input, and he was happy to work with the committee. The final decision by the board was to appoint Gene Meiners and Neil Bock to join Irlbeck, Pingrey and Frank as voting members and to rely on Niehaus, Inspector Longley and other experts to provide input and insights into the conditions as well as the available options.
