Cheatham County approves jail expansion and adds up to $4 million for courtroom buildouts
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Summary
The commission approved amendments to its construction agreement with Bell & Associates to expand and renovate the county jail and to add courtroom buildouts capped at $4 million; municipal advisory and financing steps were approved to support the project.
Cheatham County commissioners voted Sept. 18 to proceed with an expanded renovation and addition to the county jail, approving a guaranteed maximum price amendment that adds the buildout of courtrooms to the project and caps that courthouse work at $4 million.
County Attorney Michael Bligh presented the amendment after Glenn Moreland of Bell & Associates Construction LLC summarized cost implications for adding courtroom space to the jail project. Commissioners first approved an amendment to the Guaranteed Maximum Amendment and then approved the amended GMP; both votes were recorded with nine in favor, one opposed and one abstention, with one commissioner absent.
Why it matters: The expansion addresses longstanding capacity and facilities issues at the county jail while consolidating courtroom space to serve criminal proceedings. Officials said adding courtroom buildouts now reduces the need for later, separate construction and advances an integrated plan for detention and court functions.
How they decided: The commission debated the amendment and then voted to add the courtroom work with a not‑to‑exceed cap of $4 million. The body also approved a municipal advisory services agreement to assist with financing for the jail project.
What happens next: County leaders will work with bond counsel and the municipal adviser to structure financing for the project and to set a timeline for construction and closeout. Commissioner James Hedgepath recorded a “No” vote on the municipal advisory agreement; the advisory contract itself passed earlier with 10 Yes, 1 No, 1 Absent.
Attribution: The jail project and the GMP amendment were presented to the body by County Attorney Michael Bligh and a representative of Bell & Associates, Glenn Moreland. The municipal advisory agreement was discussed during presentations by the County Mayor.