Camden County commissioners spent a substantial portion of a budget work session discussing funding options and timing for a proposed new jail. Staff and elected officials outlined cost estimates, bonding implications and alternatives to immediate full construction.

Why it matters: The planned jail is the county’s largest capital project discussed in the session. Officials estimated the redevelopment — pared down from earlier, larger proposals — would cost more than $50 million and that only $10 million is currently allocated in SPLOST 9. How the county funds the remainder affects property taxpayers, the county’s long‑term debt profile and the timing of related capital projects.

Estimates and options discussed: County staff said an expanded jail plan now envisages approximately a 300‑bed facility and stated a total project cost of “50 plus million dollars” with $10,000,000 coming from SPLOST 9. A finance presentation provided a sample debt‑service computation: borrowing roughly $39 million could require almost $3.1 million in annual debt service over 20 years at about 4.5–5 percent, which staff said would likely require a tax increase. Staff noted bond proceeds typically must be spent within 36 months and contractors expect prompt payment, limiting the county’s ability to rely solely on future SPLOST receipts for immediate construction.

Per‑bed and sizing considerations: Participants cited a range of per‑bed figures (roughly $145,000–$175,000 per bed) and compared regional projects: nearby counties have recently planned or built larger facilities. Commissioners and staff emphasized there is no finalized site purchase or design, and that additional planning — including a clearer methodology to determine future bed needs — is necessary before the board commits to a large bond issue.

Comments and next steps: Sheriff’s office staff and county deputies contributed operational context about classifications and current capacity. Finance staff said they will provide additional modeling and a future work session on debt service and funding alternatives; commissioners asked for more detailed planning before choosing between bonding now, phasing construction, or attempting to rely on SPLOST 10 receipts.

Bottom line: The meeting closed without a new financing commitment. Commissioners requested deeper financial modeling and a targeted follow‑up work session before making any decision to issue bonds or delay construction.