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New jail nears completion; county reports billing error and discusses HVAC options
Summary
County staff said the new Cheatham County jail is nearing completion with concrete and base work done and an inmate move targeted for mid-November; staff also reported a water-billing error from the city that overstated usage (2.2 million vs. 22,000 gallons) and commissioners discussed HVAC options, including geothermal vs. cooling towers.
County staff provided a progress update on the new Cheatham County jail at the Sept. 15 workshop, reporting the base layer and concrete for parking and site work are in place and interior finishing is underway. Staff discussed tentative move dates in November, with different speakers referencing Nov. 10 and Nov. 20 as possible targets.
Officials also described a significant water-billing discrepancy after a new meter was installed: the city billed on a per-100-gallon basis while the county meter read per gallon, producing a statement showing 2,200,000 gallons when staff confirmed actual usage of 22,000 gallons. Staff reported they are working with the city to correct the billing and said the city has offered a credit option while the county seeks a refund.
Commissioners asked about parking counts (staff estimated about 80 spaces remaining after retention-pond impacts), drainage solutions (a French drain was installed and staff reported initial signs it's functioning) and HVAC options. Staff said geothermal would pay back over time but that cooling towers are cheaper up front—one speaker estimated cooling-tower upfront savings of about $1,000,000. Peak water use for cooling towers was estimated at roughly 4–5 gallons per minute.
No formal decisions were made at the workshop; staff invited commissioners to tour the facility and said they would return with final move dates and final cost/contract adjustments.
