Associated Press
 
November 27, 2009
 
SPRINGFIELD, Ore. -- The opening of the new Springfield jail will be delayed six weeks because of a lengthier-than-expected discussion regarding the ideal indoor sprinkler system.
 
The system is only now being installed, so opening day has been pushed from Dec. 1 to mid-January.
 
Springfield's $30 million, 100-bed jail will be the largest city-run facility of its kind in Oregon.
 
It will be staffed to hold inmates accused or convicted of misdemeanors such as drunken driving, breaking into a vehicle and criminal mischief.
 
City voters in 2004 approved a bond measure to design and build a downtown public safety complex that includes the jail, a new police department and courtrooms.