Rockingham County and the City of Harrisonburg have a problem; the Rockingham-Harrisonburg Regional jail is overcrowded. The Jail has a maximum Virginia Department of Corrections (VADOC) rated capacity of 208 inmates. The daily average inmate count is 450, with weekend populations often exceeding 475. Over 100 of those inmates are currently being housed through a short-term lease with the Middle River Jail in Augusta County.
The County Board of Supervisors and City Council want your input as to how to address this overcrowding problem. The Board and Council will provide three (3) opportunities for residents to offer suggestions through community listening sessions. These events will be held on the following dates and times, at the three different locations. The sessions will begin with a brief overview of the proposed study, background, and process. The Study consultants and members of County and City staff and elected officials will then listen as residents provide input and comments. Residents need only attend one session as comments from all sessions will be compiled. If you are unable to attend the session you can e-mail comments to Stephen King, Deputy County Administrator at sking@rockinghamcountyva.gov, or submit written comments to Mr. King at Rockingham County Administrator’s Office, 20 East Gay Street, Harrisonburg, VA 22802.
Dates/Locations
- Thursday, August 7, 2014, 6 pm to 8 pm, at Spotswood High School
- Monday, August 11, 2014, 7 pm to 9 pm, at Harrisonburg City Council Chambers
- Thursday, August 14, 2014, 6 pm to 8 pm, at Turner Ashby High School