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Gratiot County authorizes $25,000 to fix sheriff’s office and improve staff facilities
Summary
The Gratiot County Board authorized the sheriff to spend up to $25,000 from the general fund balance to repair and modernize staff areas in the county jail and sheriff’s office, with a plan that uses inmate labor for some work and calls for an engineering assessment before larger investments.
The Gratiot County Board of Commissioners on Wednesday authorized the county sheriff to use up to $25,000 from the general fund balance to repair and modernize employee spaces in the sheriff’s office and jail.
Sheriff (name not specified) told the board the sheriff’s office has worn carpet, cluttered storage, exposed IT infrastructure, and insufficient locker space for an increasing number of female employees. “These conditions have a direct effect on the morale of employees,” the sheriff said, and proposed a multi-step plan that would begin with modest repairs and cleaning.
The sheriff outlined a four-step approach: improve current work areas using inmate labor where possible, hire an engineering firm to assess building integrity, bring in a design firm for modernization plans if warranted, and then implement improvements. He estimated the cost of the initial repairs at under $25,000 if inmate labor is used for demolition, painting and removal of old carpet.
Commissioners asked for photos and additional details; Chris (staff member referenced in the meeting) showed images of break rooms, the squad room and a proposed female locker room layout. County staff proposed preparing a bid packet for an engineering assessment—step 2 of the sheriff’s plan—so the board could review the next phase.
Jan (Commissioner) moved and Steve (Commissioner) supported a motion to authorize the sheriff to proceed with step 1 and use up to $25,000 of general fund balance for the work. The board approved the motion by voice vote; the motion carried.
The sheriff said staff would clear storage, relocate file cabinets into a consolidated area, and work with the county procurement officer to acquire full-size lockers for female employees. Staff also said they would coordinate removal of obsolete 9-1-1 equipment and develop a larger plan to present to the board later.
The board directed staff to return with an engineering bid packet and to keep the board updated as the initial work proceeds.
Ending: The board’s authorization funds only the initial repair and modernization steps described at the meeting; any subsequent, larger construction or relocation would require further board approval.
