Stephens County commissioners reject $178,100 jail body scanner; approve multiple contracts and reappointments

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 the county should focus opioid funds on treatment and better medical care for inmates rather than purchasing scanning equipment. "I wish they'd be as concerned about the medical treatment that our inmates aren't getting, and they're dying, and we're getting lawsuits there," that commissioner said, noting programs other jails have such as Narcotics Anonymous and in‑jail treatment opportunities.

Staff estimated the opioid fund balance at "roughly $400,000" on hand and said the account could total a little over $1 million over the next 10 years as additional settlement dollars arrive, but final distributor payments remain uncertain. Commissioners said they preferred to await clearer settlement figures and have the sheriff’s office present before depleting the fund for a large purchase; the motion to approve the Tech 84 scanner was opposed and did not pass.

The meeting included multiple approved purchases and reappointments. The board approved a $15,108.04 ARPA‑funded control system replacement for the Martin radio tower (JN Comfort Solutions); a $60,981.67 quote from Shaco Marine LLC for an ADA‑accessible dock replacement at Broken Bridges (plans preapproved by the Army Corps of Engineers); and a $10,860.42 invoice to Maker Oil Company. The board also approved a $12,210.49 quote from Discount Communications & Electronics to outfit three incoming ambulances with radios, after staff confirmed the quoted units and installation details. A $10,548.17 invoice to Safe Built and a $3,487 emergency purchase for A and T Fence were approved as well.

Several reappointments were handled on the consent calendar: Michelle Avester and Shannon McFarland were reappointed to the joint development authority through Dec. 31, 2028; Greg Savage was reappointed to the Stephens County Board of Assessors through Dec. 31, 2027; and Bridal Wheeler was reappointed to the Tacoma Stephens County Library Board through Dec. 31, 2030. Sarah Edmonds was appointed to the library board to fill a vacancy left by Alana Critchlow.

Brian Bennett, the county building and grounds superintendent, answered procurement questions about EMS radios and installation timing, telling commissioners that the ambulances were already under construction and that radios would be installed by the ambulance manufacturer if approved. Commissioners asked to ensure fairness to local vendors while also following procurement rules and public‑record obligations for quotes.

The board ended its public business by moving to enter executive session for potential litigation.