Ron and Pam Huston have purchased land in Pattonsburg’s new industrial park and announce plans to build a privately owned minimum security jail
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Ron and Pam Huston have purchased land in Pattonsburg’s new industrial park and announce plans to build a privately owned minimum security jail to be called Daviess County Security Housing.
The Pattonsburg City Council voted unanimously to approve the $19,800 land purchase on Monday. The money will probably be used to put in the utilities and streets needed for the facility which will be located on the town’s north side.
Building plans describe an 122’x60′ earth contact cement facility with a sheet metal building exterior. A control center at the facility’s entrance will be 24’x30′ to house and operate security systems and administrative offices along with laundry and kitchen areas.
The Hustons will self contract most of the construction. Although, as a private facility, no state regulatory standards are involved, the Hustons plan to build their facility as close to industry standards as practical. They have patterned their plans after reviewing several other private jail facilities in operation.
The first phase of the jail is designed to hold 118 inmates. If operations prove successful, a second and third phase of development could increase capacity to 340 inmates.
Construction is expected to begin in the spring with completion by late summer. The private jail operation will employ 11 full time security officers. A maintenance and services staff of six to seven part-time workers will also be employed. A certified trainer for security officers will also be a part of the permanent full time staff.
The new private jail company is an outgrowth of Huston Bonding which has been in business since 1992. The Hustons have considered launching the private jail for more than two years, observing the need for a modern, economical facility to serve Northwest Missouri. They were encouraged by the reaction of area law enforcement people when discussing the idea although no contracts nor commitments will be signed until after the facility is constructed.
Pattonsburg city council convened a public hearing Friday on the project and there was no opposition voiced.
A report published by the St. Joseph News Press says a Clinton County private jail facility located at Lathrop closed last month after operating for eight years. The jail had been for sale but apparently found no buyers.