Yellowstone County plans to open a new jail next summer

The two local governments reached a $6 million deal in May to build a detention center for offenders who pose a threat to public safety but are not accused of crimes serious enough to warrant a sentence in the overcrowded county jail.

Schutz Foss Architects has investigated both temporary and long-term solutions for the overcrowded detention center.

Architects presented plans to county commissioners Thursday to build a 10,000-square-foot jail just east of the existing jail on King Avenue East. Each of the two floors would house 33 to 48 inmates while they await their first court date.

Sletten Construction will oversee construction of the short-term prison. Project manager Brooke Logan said they hope to begin construction this fall and have the prison completed by next summer.

The city of Billings and Yellowstone County have a three-year agreement to share construction costs. Late last year, the city offered to help with a temporary solution while the county works on a long-term expansion of the jail, which has a capacity of 434 inmates but currently regularly houses more than 600.

The county will be responsible for the construction, maintenance and operation of the short-term detention facility. The city has agreed to contribute approximately $2.7 million to cover construction costs.

In return, Billings will not cover daily housing costs for inmates in the new jail for the first three years. The county also agreed to provide at least ten beds for inmates held at the city's expense.

The most common violations of municipal codes include public urination and defecation, open containers, public intoxication, littering, and animal welfare violations. The majority of inmates at the main jail are held on more serious charges against the state.

The new jail would hold inmates for up to 72 hours while they await arraignment. After the hearing with the judge, most suspected offenders could be released on bail or with GPS monitoring. Those who pose a threat to public safety could be sent to the main jail.

The short-term detention cell, which will be constructed from modular steel frame panels, could be relocated and repurposed if authorities decide to expand the existing prison in the future.