Lease Dispute Resolved in Fayetteville
A significant development has occurred in the lease dispute between the state and Washington County regarding the old jail in Fayetteville. The last inmates have been removed from the facility, marking a turning point in this contentious issue.
Background and Context
Washington County had been facing severe jail overcrowding, and the lease dispute came to a head when the county decided to cancel its lease with the state for the Women’s Community Correctional Center. This facility, formerly the Washington County Jail, was being utilized for inmates convicted of nonviolent offenses but has been deemed insufficient for the county’s growing detention needs.
County’s Move to Address Overcrowding
County officials have been pushing to address the issue of overcrowding at the Washington County Detention Center. The cancellation of the lease and the subsequent removal of inmates from the old jail aims to alleviate this problem by freeing up space to accommodate the county’s own prisoners.
Future Plans and Discussions
The county has expressed its willingness to engage in discussions with the state about the future use of the old jail. Plans are underway to assess the building and potentially repurpose it to address the overcrowding issue in the county. This could involve reassigning the facility for use by the county or working with the state to develop a mutual agreement.
