WAPAKONETA, Ohio (WLIO) – Auglaize County officials are celebrating the completion of a jail expansion project that’s been four years in the making.
A ceremony was held Thursday for the $6.5 million expansion of the Auglaize County Jail. The project was first discussed in 2021, with construction firm Granger hired in 2023 to build the addition.
The new space helps the county address several concerns, including the need for additional beds for female inmates and designated areas for male and female inmates with medical and mental health needs.
A ceremony was held Thursday for the $6.5 million expansion of the Auglaize County Jail. The project was first discussed in 2021, with construction firm Granger hired in 2023 to build the addition.
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"We did not have a good medical mental health area. And when we sat down and looked at the spaces that we weren't using, what could we do to make it for male and female? And that's what we were able to do and successfully do with this project," said Sheriff Michael Vorhees.
The expansion also gives corrections officers more flexibility in their day-to-day operations.
"Oh, it'll change our operation, but it makes it better. What it does is it gives them, gives those COs, another tool in the toolbox, another thing they can utilize to in their day to day operations. So, when they go out and they do things and they do their duties, where can we put this person? Where can we do that person? We have a lot more choices, a lot more opportunities to serve it. I think the COs are really excited about that change," added Vorhees.
County commissioners say they are proud the project was completed using grants and existing funding.
"When I was running for Commissioner four years ago, five years ago, that was one project I talked about that was going to have to get done. We're glad it's done and we didn't have to go to the voters and ask for any money and or put the county in any debt to get it completed," said Dave Bambauer, Auglaize County Commissioner.
Vorhees emphasized that the project’s success was the result of teamwork.
"This is not a one person operation. It's about working together, and that's my motto. It's always been working together to serve all glace County. It takes, it takes a team, and it takes a dedicated and committed team to do this, and I'm proud of that," he said.
A few minor tasks remain before the space is fully operational. Vorhees hopes it will be in use within the next few weeks.
