Jefferson County community leaders said they are joining forces to remedy financial problems at the jail.

Sheriff Fred Abdalla laid off 11 workers last Friday and reduced the number of prisoners at the jail from 145 to 79.

Abdalla said there is not enough money to operate the jail and if the March 4 levy doesn't pass, the jail will close.

In turn, commissioners formed a Jail Advisory Committee and are encouraging business and community leaders to come up with a plan of action whether or not the levy passes.

Commissioner Dave Maple said the plan should be proactive and alleviate the problem.

"Some of that could be other revenue increases, cost decreases, and maybe even some long-term things folks have talked about. Do we sell the place? Do we close the place? ...We're hoping to get at least some of that on the table," Maple said.

Abdalla said with the current number of staff, there is a safety issue at hand should an altercation take place.

"We're going to see how it goes here. But there's only one plan if the levy fails, and by the end of the year, the jail will close, simple as that. I can't operate like I'm operating right now," he said.

The sheriff said another meeting will be scheduled next week and the sheriff wants to bring the committee into the jail to see the problems firsthand.

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-Renee Cardelli & Natalie Pasquarella, NEWS9