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The Nowata County Board of Commissioners was presented with a report on the county jail during Monday morning’s meeting. The report was put together by independent consultant Michelle Robinette.

Robinette’s report outlined several troubling issues with the jail that put the safety of inmates and employees at risk. The report outlined several outdated security procedures. Robinette noted that the booking area easily allows for transportation of contraband with several inmates coming from different places at the same time. Large holes in the jails walls to the outside of the building were also seen, which would allow for the intake of contraband.

Plumbing issues were another main focus of the report. Several sinks, toilets and showers are non-functional. This means not all inmates have access to running water and have to be transported to different cells.

Robinette stated that the county puts itself at major risk with the current state of the jail.

The report was ordered by Sheriff Terry Sue Barnett before the carbon monoxide issue in the jail building was discovered. Barnett has made several efforts during her time in office to make improvements to the jail. Barnett’s suggestions have been met with resistance due to a very limited budget. Barnett says she inherited the issues and is trying to work towards a resolution.

Robinette suggested solutions which include building a new jail, attempting to get the current building to code or continuing to contract with a different county. Robinette will continue consulting with the county as a part of this ongoing situation.