WASHINGTON COUNTY, AR – A crisis continues at the Washington County Jail where the inmate population is “swelling at the seams.”

According to deputies, the jail is currently holding more than 200 inmates for the state because of overcrowding issues. That is putting a strain on the county’s budget, specifically for food and medical care. 
It’s a problem Chief Deputy Jay Cantrell said is likely to continue.

“I don’t think there’s going to be any relief for awhile,” Cantrell said. “If they decide tomorrow they’re going to build a 1,000 bed jail, it’s two years before they open it.”

Cantrell said funds needed by the jail are already budgeted, but need to be re-appropriated by the Quorum Court.

Officials with the jail will present their budget to the court in October.