Perry County Jail Infrastructure Woes Lead To Rising Costs
Inmates from the Perry County Jail have been housed at other jail facilities in counties across the state for the last six months. The prisoner placement in other facilities is the result of escalating infrastructure issues discovered when repairs began after a jail break in 2025.
Perry County officials identified an infrastructure problem as the probable cause of an inmate being able to escape. The initial repair cost was estimated at $1,500 but as repairs proceeded more deficiencies were discovered. That has result in an ever-increasing cost to the county.
Perry County has paid out almost $100,000 so far and the cost continues to mount. The most recent estimate is between $200,000 and $250,000will be spent before the jail can reopen.
Perry County Commission Chair Albert Turner, Jr. noted on a Facebook post last fall that the inmate was able to chip away at multiple blocks, ultimately leading to their escape. The inmate was able get through the wall and reach the roof where he jumped to freedom." He was later recaptured.
In the September 22, 2025, post Turner questioned how jail stall failed to notice the damage as it was being done or hear the inmate working.
The state fire marshal conducted another inspection recently and cited violations that must be corrected before inmates can return. Currently they are being housed as far away as Cullman County in North Alabama.
Among the ordered repairs are:
- Installation of a new fire sprinkler system
- Relocation of the jail’s computer and IT room from upstairs to downstairs
- Repairs to plumbing and electrical systems
- Painting jail cells and addressing additional habitability concerns
Officials hope all repairs can be completed by sometime next month.
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