Perry County Commission OKs $86K additional funds to fix jail damaged by escaped inmate

The Perry County Commission this week approved spending more than $86,000 in additional funds to make repairs to the jail caused by an inmate who broke a hole in the wall to escape in September. 

The James Hood Detention Facility that serves as the Perry County jail has been closed since the escape. The commission on Jan. 13 approved an amendment to the county’s construction budget to cover $86,611 in repairs. Sheriff Roy Fikes inspected and approved the work, which included plumbing repairs, fixing leaks and restoring showers and bathrooms. 

Fikes ordered the closure of the jail and can authorize its reopening. It is unclear when that will be. 

A motion passed to approve the expenditures, with commissioners noting that additional door adjustments, estimated at $13,000, may be needed later due to building settlement. 

Commissioners debated whether to pay $27,000 allegedly owed to Hale County for housing Perry County inmates. The county has already paid $950 at the state-approved rate, but commissioners insisted no further payments can be made without a formal contract. 

The commission also temporarily suspended the jail nurse’s contract from Oct. 25 to Feb. 1, since the jail closure eliminated the need for medical services.  

More from this section

Melania Trump urges 'unity' over Minneapolis unrest

LA mayor urges US to reassure visiting World Cup fans

Venezuelans eye economic revival with hoped-for oil resurgence

Commissioners engaged in a heated discussion over the inoperable courthouse elevator, which has been down for several months. The county had originally been working with Shimmer, the company holding the elevator’s maintenance contract, but officials said the company repeatedly failed to respond to emails, phone calls and requests for updates. 

County Administrator Beverly Gordon told commissioners that communication with Shimmer had been inconsistent for months, with weeks passing between responses. She said the company promised a discounted repair but never followed through. 

Commissioner Brett Harrison noted that Shimmer told him they were waiting on a purchase order from the county, a point disputed by several members. 

After continued delays, the county sought alternative bids and ultimately turned to Diversify, which said it could obtain the necessary parts, coincidentally, from Shimmer, and complete repairs within three to five weeks. 

Commissioners voted to contract with Diversify for $30,000 to repair the elevator and to move forward with canceling Shimmer’s maintenance agreement after the required 90-day notice period.