SUSQUEHANNA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — The Susquehanna County Correctional Facility in Montrose will close its doors at the end of March, according to Susquehanna County Commissioner Chair Allan M. Hall.
Commissioners said in a media release that the facility will close its doors on March 28. Personnel were notified earlier this week of the decision.
Commissioners say the county will save approximately $3 million per year by decommissioning the facility.
“We offer our sincere gratitude to the jail personnel and acknowledge their hard work, dedication and invaluable service. The difficult decision to proceed with the closure and layoffs of valued employees was not taken lightly. Please know that their work has not gone unnoticed. We appreciate the time and energy the employees have invested in the county and wish the best in their future endeavors,” the commissioners stated.
Susquehanna County has made agreements with several neighboring counties to house current and future inmates. Female inmates were removed from the facility earlier this year.
"The county jail was designed to house over 100 prisoners, but the number of incarcerated people normally ranges between 20-40. Required facility staffing exceeds the optimum ratio of guards to inmates. Built in the 1990s, the current facility is also in need of substantial and costly upgrades and repairs. Those necessary repairs were not factored into the $3 million estimated savings," commissioners added.
They say it will not only save the taxpayers money, but also help inmates get the help they need.
"The county has implemented agreements with several neighboring counties to house current and future inmates. The inmates will have greater access to mental health and drug and alcohol counseling services in the other facilities exceeding those that can currently be provided in Susquehanna County."
Commissioners added that the closure would result in savings to the county and should offset any need for tax increases for the next several years.
The jail currently houses 21 inmates and employs 30 people.
