April 13th, 2011
Inspectors give Hays County jail perfect score

STAFF REPORT

Less than two years after state inspectors threatened to close the Hays County jail for health and safety violations, the facility not only passed an inspection on Monday, it did so with no demerits, the sheriff’s office said this week.

“The cleanliness and pristine standards will continue with the help and implementation of inmate labor and those leading from the front,” said Jason Cowan, the jail’s Food Service director.

Multiple failed inspections starting in April 2009 culminated in November that year with the State Commission on Jail Standards ordering the jail kitchen closed and suggesting that other sanctions, including closure of the jail itself, would soon follow. The county successfully appealed the decision and the sanctions were officially lifted in June 2010 after the jail passed an inspection.

The county has spent about $1.2 million to replace the roof, kitchen and plumbing and authorized another $2 million last month for emergency air conditioner repairs.