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Stephens County commissioners reject $178,100 jail body scanner; approve multiple contracts and reappointments
Summary
At a Stephens County Board of Commissioners meeting, the board voted down a $178,100 proposal for a jail body scanner funded by opioid‑settlement dollars and approved several other invoices, contract awards and board reappointments, including new EMS radio equipment and ARPA‑funded tower controls.
Stephens County commissioners voted down a $178,100 proposal to install a body scanner at the county jail during a meeting that also included approvals for ARPA, SPLOST and contingency‑funded purchases and several board reappointments.
The Tech 84 quote for the body scanner, which staff suggested could be paid from the county’s opioid‑settlement fund, drew extended discussion about fund balances and the absence of a sheriff’s office representative. One commissioner argued in favor of the scanner on legal‑liability grounds, saying it reduces the risk that contraband brought in by inmates could trigger overdoses and lawsuits. "From my standpoint, from a legal standpoint, I have the concerns that... I think the lawsuit potential... far outweighs the total quote for $178,100," the commissioner said.
Another commissioner pushed back, saying…
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