Inmates and Story County officers alike are happy with the new county jail.

“It’s like the Embassy Suites here,” said inmate Denise Thomas. “It’s clean and I like that I have my own room.”

The Nevada facility, which opened March 15, has changed several things from the old jail, said Story County Sheriff Paul Fitzgerald, including allowing for more inmates.

Last Friday the jail held 80 inmates. Maximum capacity is considered 85, but since March 15, when inmates were transferred to the new facility, the jail has housed up to 102 people.

Fitzgerald said an influx of inmates was anticipated.

“We are settling down into a routine now,” he said. “The trend is a decrease in population,” to what should be normal levels.

Each inmate has a private cell with a bed, desk and stool.

“We have a lot more room to move around,” said inmate Jennifer Mckeover.

Thomas enjoyed the women’s area common space with fellow inmates as they discussed what they would watch on television Friday.

The new facility has allowed for more comforts for the inmates.

“We even have satellite here,” said inmate Tracy Millar.

Along with the new facility came a new system of discipline. Now Pod A, the men’s general population, is supervised by one officer.

The men are able to spend time with friends at tables and chairs in the common area and are only removed to segregated areas for disobeying rules.

“The new system is working beautifully,” Fitzgerald said. “Everyone has become well acclimated and each day runs smoother and smoother.”