Orleans Parish Sheriff Susan Hutson spoke exclusively with WDSU Investigates following a meeting at City Hall regarding the jail’s finances.
Sheriff Susan Hutson met with members of the New Orleans City Council as well as Chief Administrative Officer Gilbert Montano regarding the conditions of the jail, the facility’s urgent water issues, as well as efforts to get the jail on the city’s BRASS system so funding can be more easily tracked.
Hutson spoke exclusively with WDSU Investigative Reporter Aubry Killion after the meeting, claiming that she has been transparent about the jail’s issues as well as the recent escape, and that she has answered more questions and provided more information than past sheriffs.
Montano told WDSU that the jail’s transition to the BRASS system will take years, but will be worth it.
He and City Councilmember Oliver Thomas described the meeting as productive, and said they are doing everything they can to fix the current issues.
According to Sheriff Susan Hutson, the jail has significant infrastructure problems, and the long-term fix could cost $900,000. A short-term solution for the water leak would cost $300,000.
According to Ernie Anderson with Powerhouse Construction, the jail’s recent leak was caused by a noncompressed fitting. That then led to 16 active leaks in the jail that caused significant damage.
The jail is only 10 years old, but its condition is not holding up to the projected 30-year lifespan design, according to Anderson.
The sheriff’s office has a fund balance of $8.4 million, with $5 million available for emergency spending.
Hutson told the City Council that she is cooperating with a state legislative audit team to review funding streams.
The recent leak is not the only problem with the jail. Other problems, such as electrical issues and an aging system due to strains from the jail being over capacity, have also resulted in deteriorating conditions, according to Hutson.
The City Council and Hutson agreed to work together to address the financial and infrastructure challenges.
READ MORE:Orleans Parish sheriff speaks exclusively with WDSU after meeting on jail finances
