Additional temporary jail space options considered

Coryell County leaders are considering another temporary option to relieve jail overcrowding — portable/modular buildings.

These facilities, which Coryell County Chief Deputy Ron Morgan said will be utilized in Travis County, are able to house 48 inmates using single beds or 96 using bunk beds. They are produced by Sprung Structures, which has an office in Houston.

The total estimated cost of the buildings would be $350,000, and they have been certified for use by the Texas Commission of Jail Standards.

The Coryell County Commissioners Court has also received information about other structures that could be used as temporary jail space.

"They say they can build it in three weeks once the slab is done," Morgan told the Commissioners Court. "They don't do the slab, they just put the building up."

The standard-size buildings the company offers are 50 by 120 feet.

Although the buildings can be modified to meet customer specifications, the company indicated that its standard production buildings are more readily available.

"They can make smaller ones and said they can fit whatever we need," Morgan said.

County Judge Roger Miller talked about the possibility of a 25-foot by 60-foot facility that could house as many as 48 inmates.

"If they are willing to work with us, I'm sure we could put in an observation room," he said.

Commissioner Kyle Matthews said clarification is needed on whether the buildings can be used for both medium- and high-security inmates.

"The key is the security side," he said. "What levels of security would the state allow in these facilities? If it's only minimum, we don't even need to talk to them. Our concerns are for housing at least medium security (inmates). Otherwise, it does us no good to even explore this option."

According to information on the Sprung website: “Sprung structures are the ideal choice for correctional facilities as they are a quick and affordable jail building solution. With a variety of available accessories, energy-efficient lighting and insulation packages, a Sprung jail structure has the flexibility to adapt as your needs change. Sprung’s tensioned membrane structures can immediately respond to issues with overcrowding, by providing temporary and permanent inmate housing solutions. A bright, clear-span interior space ensures your jail facility is properly monitored and perfectly visible from every angle, while Sprung’s durable 8½ ft high vandal-proof Hard-Wall system ensures it remains secure at all times.”