Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Infrastructure topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Commissioners press staff for jail repair options after learning county has SPLOST funds available
Summary
Commissioners discussed jail infrastructure problems and financing options on April 9, noting staff is awaiting vendor quotes and that roughly $8 million in SPLOST funds may be available; the board asked for a follow-up with quotes and financing scenarios.
Commissioners devoted a lengthy portion of the April 9 meeting to the county jails repair needs and possible financing paths.
Vice Chair Newsom asked for an update on the public works committees recommendations about the jail. County staff and the county administrator, Derek King, said they were waiting on a quote from the company that rebuilt the jail's HVAC/chiller system about 10to12 years ago. King said staff believes the same company can rebuild the system more quickly than soliciting a new vendor that would need a longer lead time.
During the discussion, the chair said the county has "about $8,000,000 in SPLOST that can be used for the jail repairs." Commissioners debated whether to use SPLOST dollars for the project or pursue a larger financing vehicle such as an $11,000,000 line of credit or bonds. Several commissioners stressed the time sensitivity and risk posed by deferred repairs, while others said they wanted more detail on costs and financing options before committing to a single approach.
Commissioners also emphasized that committee recommendations should be brought to the full board in a timely manner under the county's meeting rules. The chair asked staff to return next week with additional information and cost estimates so the board could consider short-term repairs and longer-term financing.
No formal vote on a financing commitment was taken at the meeting; staff was directed to provide the requested quotes and financing options for further consideration.
