Commissioners say jail project needs more work: sewer upgrade, easements and ground testing could add $2 million
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Summary
Board paused land-swap and further action on the planned quarry-site jail until contractor testing and utility easements are resolved; upgrading sewer from 8-inch to 12-inch to reach the lift station was estimated at roughly $2 million additional cost.
The board discussed key outstanding issues on the proposed county jail site in the quarry area. Commissioners said the project budget did not include an upgrade of the sewer main beyond the manhole to the 5th Street lift station; county and town officials told commissioners that upgrading the existing 8-inch main to a 12-inch line could cost about $2 million and would be required if the jail’s sewer connection follows that route.
Commissioners also cited outstanding easement acquisition, additional geotechnical testing at the quarry site to confirm ground stabilization, and missing contractor/developer information as conditions that must be satisfied before the county will consider a land swap or property transfer. One commissioner said he will not move forward on any land swap until testing results and guarantees from the developer/contractor confirm the site is suitable.
The board is awaiting test results and further documentation from the developer and contractor and said it will keep the public informed at future meetings.