Twin Falls commissioners hope to avoid $50 million new jail with modular units, shuffling sites

TWIN FALLS — County commissioners — faced with an urgent need for a new jail but also looking to avoid taxpayer sticker shock — are now considering a “musical chair” solution to housing inmates.

The new plan would move male inmates to modular jail units installed at the current home of the Snake River Juvenile Detention Center. Juvenile detention would move into the County West building. And the current jail downtown would be used to house women inmates and holding prisoners awaiting court hearings.

The plan, which would avoid the need to build a new $50 million jail, was discussed Monday evening by county commissioners.

Commissioners Brent Reinke, Jack Johnson and Don Hall said they want to limit the burden on taxpayers while ensuring the safety of inmates and the employees who supervise them.

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