Sheriff Susan Hutson spoke exclusively with WDSU Reporter Aubry Killion after the meeting, claiming that she has been transparent about the jail's issues as well as the recent escape, and that she stated she answers more questions and provided more information than past sheriffs.
The Orleans Parish Sheriff's Office is facing financial challenges due to the need for repairs to the water system at the Orleans Justice Center, which has been plagued by issues like discolored water and low pressure. The estimated cost for these repairs is around $8 million, and the Sheriff's Office is seeking funding from the city to cover these expenses. The city, however, is hesitant to allocate funds, as it believes the Sheriff's Office should manage its own budget, which has been strained by a significant increase in inmate healthcare costs. This situation has led to tensions between the Sheriff's Office and the city, with the Sheriff's Office warning that without the necessary repairs, the jail could face a shutdown, while the city maintains that the Sheriff's Office needs to find a way to cover the costs within its existing budget.