Henderson County authorizes temporary impound lot at Edneyville Park, caps initial work at $100,000

The Henderson County Board of Commissioners on May 4 authorized temporary use of county‑owned Edneyville Park as an impound and vehicle storage area for the Sheriff's Office, approving limited site work and security upgrades with a budget cap of $100,000.

Assistant County Manager Chris Todd and Sheriff Lowell Griffin presented the proposal, describing a roughly 3.5‑acre site behind the Edneyville Fire Department that historically served as Edneyville Park. Staff recommended using the existing fenced tennis courts as temporary storage for about 20 Sheriff's Office vehicles that are awaiting upfitting and assignment. Proposed minimal modifications include a secure gate and security cameras; staff said fiber optic service is available nearby to support cameras.

Sheriff Griffin told the board the site could also offer longer‑term training opportunities in the future, including low‑cost options for simunitions and firearms practice, though commissioners emphasized a gradual approach rather than comprehensive development.

Vice‑Chair J. Michael Edney and other board members expressed concerns about remoteness and security; Todd said additional cameras and gate installations would address those concerns. Commissioner Rebecca McCall moved to temporarily close Edneyville Park and authorize its use as an impound and vehicle storage area for the Sheriff's Office with total costs not to exceed $100,000; the motion carried unanimously.

Next steps: staff will implement the limited modifications described, maintain existing access controls, and return to the board if the scope or costs exceed the approved threshold.