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Cheatham County approves purchase of Leeland Station for new jail after contested public forum
Summary
The Cheatham County Legislative Body voted 7-5 to approve a contract to buy the Leeland Station property for a new county jail after public comments both opposing and supporting the purchase; commissioners scheduled a separate session to address school funding tied to the acquisition.
ASHLAND CITY, Tenn. — The Cheatham County Legislative Body voted 7-5 on Feb. 26 to approve a contract to purchase the Leeland Station property for use as a new county jail, following a public forum in which residents and local officials expressed both opposition and support.
County Mayor Kerry McCarver introduced architect Rudy Johnson, who presented the property plan and site layout. Opponents at the public forum included Ashland City Mayor Rick Johnson and several residents who cited concerns about the site and its uses. Supporters who spoke included Richard Dittman, Derrick Williams and Ryan Smith. The public forum also included concerns about traffic on George Boyd Road and a resident's request for road maintenance.
The issue drew repeated motions: Commissioner Gary Binkley moved to table the purchase and later moved to deny it, but both motions failed for lack of a second. Commissioner Dale McCarver later moved, and Commissioner Tim Williamson seconded, a motion to approve the purchase contract. The motion carried by roll call vote, 7 yes and 5 no.
Yes votes were recorded for Chairman Donnie Jordan, Ann Jarreau, Diana Pike Lovell, Tim Williamson, Eugene O. Evans Sr., Dale McCarver and Connie Mayo. No votes were recorded for Betty Ramsey, Gary Binkley, Walter Weakley, Shanon Pickard and Jimmy Hedgepath.
Mayor McCarver also warned commissioners about the county's need to present a plan to the State to avoid possible decertification of the existing jail; he framed the purchase as part of planning for that contingency. The commission scheduled a Special Called Session for March 14 at 8:00 p.m. to consider school funding tied to the purchase.
The vote marks a major step in the county's effort to secure new detention facilities; commissioners did not adopt a final construction plan at the Feb. 26 meeting and noted further actions and funding steps would follow.
