From Paul Bryant.

Grand jurors, in their written report, stepped up pressure on the Warren County Board of Supervisors to authorize a new jail.

The panel, selected at random from voter rolls, followed the routine of inspecting public buildings and then gave a two-year time frame for supervisors to find construction money.

The May term of the grand jury called for a five-year timetable for a new jail and two panels before also reported the need.

In the report given to Judge Isadore Patrick Thursday afternoon, jurors also said the jail, across Grove Street from the courthouse, needs more employees and that jailers are underpaid.

&#8220It is very evident to even untrained eyes that it is unsafe and unsanitary for employees and inmates due to the inadequacy of the design,” jurors wrote. &#8220Furthermore, the jail facility is understaffed.”

A portion of the jail dates to 1907, but most-used are cell blocks in a 1977 annex built for $2 million and remodeled and expanded several times since. Warren County Sheriff Martin Pace, who met with jurors Thursday, has said the jail is secure but newer designs are safer and allow for increased efficiency for personnel.

Jurors’ report recommended county officials find funding &#8220through any and every avenue available in two years,” give a 10 percent pay increase to jail staff and provide &#8220qualified” jailers.

Later Thursday, Pace said he &#8220wholeheartedly agrees” with the grand jury’s findings.

&#8220The board of supervisors has already begun that process with a needs assessment that I asked for,” he said. &#8220And they are in agreement that a new jail is needed. As far as the time frame, I think it is too early for me to comment on that.”

Supervisors commissioned Central Mississippi Planning and Development District staff to prepare a comprehensive plan for county building needs in the years to come and to anticipate a phased program.

Pace, first elected 10 years ago, also acknowledged problems with keeping quality correctional officers.

&#8220One of the challenges that faces any sheriff is to attract and maintain quality personnel in a jail system in which, traditionally, the pay has not been the same as the law-enforcement division,” he said. &#8220I do have turnover at ranks of correctional officers. But these areas have been addressed by the board of supervisors, and the jail has seen increases in pay the last several years.”

Patrick called the grand jury’s two-year timetable for obtaining financing for a new jail &#8220good” and praised its other recommendations, which were: