Fiscal court authorizes RFP for jail feasibility study as jail leaders describe overcrowding

The Warren County Fiscal Court on July 10 authorized staff to advertise a request for proposals for a feasibility study at the Warren County Regional Jail, a step county leaders said is the first in addressing the facility's long‑standing overcrowding concerns.

"That's kind of our step 1 in what we're gonna need to do to address the decade old or so problem of being overcrowded," the jailer told the court after the RFP authorization. Jail leadership reported that the facility and court security coordinated closely during a recent high‑profile trial, adding last‑minute training and security devices for the courtroom and conducting after‑hours inmate moves for safety.

During remarks, the jailer reported an inmate count of about 707 as of the prior night. Sheriff Hightower and the jailer both commended court security, lieutenant Hyde and staff for their coordination during the trial and subsequent operations, noting the joint effort included support from other agencies and last‑minute logistics to maintain order and safety.

The court's authorization to advertise the feasibility study RFP (motion: Aldridge; second: Cummings) was approved by roll call. County officials said the RFP is intended to solicit options for addressing capacity and related infrastructure needs; staff were directed to draft the RFP and return with vendor proposals for fiscal court review.

No design contract or construction appropriation was approved at the meeting; the action authorized only advertising for proposals and next steps in the procurement process.