Ray County Commissioners recently engaged with citizens and department heads on various issues affecting nearly all aspects of county government. Discussions covered the future of the county jail, as well as the state of newly poured concrete and the complexities involved in using tree sap on gravel. Following an update from Undersheriff Randy Miller on the jail renovation project, Sheriff Gary Blackwell urged commissioners to revisit the department’s staffing budget, warning that without additional correctional officers, inmates cannot be safely returned to the facility once construction concludes. “The good news is the jail is coming along,” said Blackwell. “The problem is we still need staffing. We cannot bring people back until we can fully staff the jail.” Blackwell said two corrections officers per shift is inadequate, especially with a projected inmate population of up to 50. He requested three officers per shift and a starting wage increase from the current $16.02 hourly…