The state fire marshal’s office sent Roane County officials a letter last week stating the county’s plan to deal with the jail overcrowding issue is insufficient. This could place Roane County in a similar situation that Pickett County was in by having some of their inmates housed in surrounding counties while officials come up with an acceptable plan. If this happens, Roane County will have additional payroll and fuel expenses for deputies traveling to the counties their inmates will be housed for transport back to Roane County for court appearances. As of yesterday (November 3, 2019), the jail is holding a total of 336 inmates. It was built around 10 years ago for a capacity of 175.