Permanent solution still sought for Payne County Jail woes

STILLWATER, Okla. (AP) Payne County officials are facing a July 31st deadline to develop a plan to improve the county's overcrowded jail before possible complaints and fines are levied by the state.

Wednesday, June 15th 2005, 6:16 am

By: News On 6

STILLWATER, Okla. (AP) Payne County officials are facing a July 31st deadline to develop a plan to improve the county's overcrowded jail before possible complaints and fines are levied by the state.

State jail inspector Don Garrison says a permanent solution must be found to ongoing problems at the jail. Although temporary measures have been implemented, Garrison says the jail still is in noncompliance and has been notified of state jail violations.

The Oklahoma Department of Health could file a compliant against county commissioners and the sheriff if a plan to resolve problems is not approved by July 31st. Fines could also be levied against the county ranging from 500 dollars to 10-thousand dollars.

If fines are imposed, Payne County property owners will be assessed for housing county inmates in jails outside the county.