Chautauqua County is close to making a decision regarding its jail.

MAYVILLE – Chautauqua County officials are getting closer to deciding if a new jail should be constructed or improvements should just be made to the current facility.

Two years ago, Chautauqua County hired a firm to do an evaluation of its jail. That evaluation is complete and will soon be reviewed in detail.

During the November county legislature meeting, a special committee was formed to review and make recommendations to the legislature regarding the county jail needs assessment. Committee members include Public Safety Committee Chairman Terry Niebel, R-Sheridan; Public Facilities Committee Chairman Travis Heiser, R-Clymer; Audit and Control Committee Chairman Dan Pavlock, R-Ellery; Legislator Bob Bankoski, D-Dunkirk; Legislator Phil Landy, R-Jamestown; Jail Warden Captain M. Stuczynski; former Jail Administrator James Crowell; Sheriff Fiscal Supervisor Reilly Enlow; and Assistant Deputy Director of Public Facilities Josh Rothwell.

In November of 2022, the legislature agreed to spend $111,800 on a needs assessment plan. The study was done by LaBella Associates and Justice Planners.

During a committee meeting, Sheriff Jim Quattone said the county has been given four plans of jail needs for the building. He said the plans give an overview of the jail for the next 30-40 years.

Two options propose “starting from scratch,” by a brand new jail building. The other two options focus on doing work on the existing building.

Quattrone said the special committee will examine the four plans and decide which is best for the county.

Legislature Chairman Pierre Chagnon, R-Ellery, said at a committee meeting the consultants did look at relocating the jail to another community, but that appears unlikely.

“We have a pretty significant footprint here in the village (of Mayville). It’s a convenient location to the courts and part of the jail is in pretty good shape so I don’t think those discussions about relocating went very far into the study process,” he said.

Quattrone noted that the jail is unique in that it operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and houses occupants who “aren’t always the nicest to the property.”

No timeline was given as to when the committee will make recommendations regarding the jail for the full legislature.