"Something has to be done..." Vermillion County Jail project paused; but updates are needed

The Vermillion County Jail has been overcrowded and out of date for quite some time now.

The Sheriff was working to get updates, but now, with COVID-19 things have changed.

"so we're down to the lowest numbers i've seen here since the 90's" many sheriffs offices are feeling the impact of the covid 19 pandemic.

And it's more than just making sure inmates don't get infected.

The vermillion county, indiana sheriff's office is making some upgrades to make sure everyone stays safe.

But -- they're also looking at a big project that's been put on pause.

News 10's sarah lehman is live in our newsroom tonight.

She talked with sheriff mike phelps about how he feels during this uncertain time.

All around the country things have been put on a pause.

That's since the covid 19 pandemic started.

Vermillion county sheriff mike phelps says their big jail project hasn't been talked about sine the last county meeting.

But -- he says right now he has to make some upgrades!

"we're living in some different times right now."

Mike phelps is the sheriff for vermillion county.

Before covid -19 hit he was working on upgrading his jail.

"i know something has to be done i know work has to be done on this facility."

Because of the pandemic councils can not really meet to discuss the project.

So -- it's been put on pause.

But -- the facility needs updates.

And because of the virus it is actually getting some of those.

"maybe it took this situatuion right here to find out maybe things are going to be different and we don't have to spend that money."

Things like -- adding a medical grade air system to help sanitize the air.

As well as fixing some major plumbing issues.

Things phelps says has been on the agenda to do.

He was waiting for the expansion plan to be approved.

But now they are neccesary.

"i didn't want to throw a bunch of money in this facility and then find out well yeah we're going to go ahead and do the add on and rennovation and then you're going are you out this money now.

But i can't just keep pushing it off anymore either."

Phelps says since they have let low level non violent offenders out on bond or probation they are seeing very low numbers in their jail.

Meaning no over crowding.

But -- he says he still has over 100 warrants to serve and doesn't think those numbers will stay low forever.

Reporting live in the newroom.

Sarah lehman news 10 back to you.

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