Members of the Oroville Community Development Coalition gathered on the evening of January 12, 2026, for a tour of the newly constructed expansion at the Butte County Jail. The tour, led by Sheriff Kory Honea, showcased facilities designed to improve inmate capacity and provide essential services. This event was a precursor to the official ribbon-cutting ceremony scheduled for January 14, 2026.
After more than 16 years of planning, the expansion addresses the changing needs of the inmate population. “In 2011, with the passage of Assembly Bill 109, the state shifted responsibility for housing certain felony convictions to the counties,” Honea explained. “We recognized the need for a different kind of facility to meet those requirements.”
Funding and Construction Challenges
The sheriff remarked on the lengthy process, humorously noting that the timeline reflects the pace of government projects. The total cost of the jail expansion reached $44 million, with significant funding sourced from grants. Despite initial rejections for funding, the county eventually secured the necessary finances, with $40 million coming from grant funding and the remaining amount matched by the county.
Construction faced its own hurdles; the county had to dismiss the original contractor due to disputes. Local company Slater and Sons took over and successfully completed the project. “Hiring a local contractor is beneficial because they are invested in the community,” Honea said, emphasizing the importance of local involvement.
As the tour progressed, attendees were informed that photography was prohibited inside the facility for security reasons. They entered through the sally port to view the intake area, where new arrivals go through processing. This area includes sobering cells for intoxicated individuals and holding cells equipped with phones and cameras for monitoring purposes.
Innovative Programming for Inmates
A significant aspect of the jail’s design is the dedicated programming area aimed at assisting inmates with mental health challenges. This facility allows individuals deemed incompetent to stand trial to receive treatment and regain competency. “They will participate in programming to prepare for trial,” said Sgt. Tyler Leonard, highlighting the cooperation with Butte County Behavioral Health.
The programming area functions like a separate facility within the jail, featuring its own cells, an outdoor space, and facilities for inmates to meet with mental health professionals regularly. “This setup allows for constant supervision by medical staff,” Honea added.
The expansion also increases the jail’s capacity significantly, adding four new pods, each with multiple double cells and dorms that can house up to six inmates. The facility is designed to be brighter and more accommodating than the previous jail, with constant surveillance to ensure safety. Inmates will have access to educational programs, including the opportunity to earn their General Education Development certificate.
Medical Services and Staffing Needs
A specialized wing for medical services addresses the growing needs of the inmate population, including dental care. This area provides more space for medical staff to operate effectively. “It’s a much bigger footprint, allowing for improved services,” Correctional Captain Brian Meyers noted.
As the new facility prepares to open, staffing remains a critical priority. The jail will require an increase of up to eight new correctional officers per shift. The county has implemented recruitment and retention strategies to address staffing challenges, especially after the passage of Measure H in 2024, which provides additional funding for the Sheriff’s Office.
With the completion of the jail expansion, Sheriff Honea expressed optimism about the future. “Despite the many hurdles we’ve faced, we kept pushing forward,” he said, signaling a new chapter for the Butte County Jail and the community it serves.
