A high-need project to replace several doors in the Beauregard Parish jail could cost nearly $250,000, officials told the Police Jury’s finance committee earlier this week.

Warden Jeanne Faciane and Assistant Warden Jermaine Tyler met with panel members to discuss the need to replace 19 doors, mostly in the women’s cell block area. 

Three of the doors are in the men’s area, Faciane said.

According to Tyler, the doors were installed in the 1980s, but had already been used when they were put in.

“We’ve been having issues with the doors for about the past 10 years,” Tyler said. 

“Myself and a few other deputies have actually been making parts to repair the doors ourselves in the shop, but now we’re reaching a place where we are unable to fix what the problems are.”

According to a quote received by the panel, replacing each door would cost about $12,500.

Police Juror Jerry Shirley said the repairs highlighted the need for a new jail, and other jurors expressed concerns about spending so much money on a facility that likely won’t be used for much longer.

“We all know that day is coming, but today we have to address this issue,” said Police Juror Mike Harper.

Earlier this year, panel members discussed making a new jail a priority beginning in 2018.

The first step, they said, would be finding a location for the facility.