| |
| | Tuesday, February 23, 2021
|
CLB moves ahead on plans for a new jail
Members of the Cocke County Legislative Body meeting Monday evening, voted unanimously to continue with plans for a new jail. The body agreed with a recommendation from the Cocke County Corrections Partnership that the new facility be built on the 18 to 20 acres of the county owned former Jack Farm on Cope Boulevard. The county's two jails are in poor shape, are not state certified and as a result have led to several federal lawsuits against the county. Consultant John Eisenlau of MBI Architects recommended a 276 bed jail, built so that it can be expanded if need be in the future. He said the acreage being considered is "the perfect size" for the planned facility and has room for a three courtroom justice center along with associated offices. Eisenlau estimated the needed jail will cost about $30 million and adding the justice center would tack $10 million to the cost. John Henderlight, another consultant said in recent years, construction costs have moved up four to five percent annually. Commissioner Gayla Blazer pointed out that a new jail would allow the county to house it's state inmates and keep the state housing fee. Jail Administrator Josh Hartsell said the county is currently loosing $57,000 monthly because its 42 state inmates are being housed out of county, but he said operating the new jail will require an additional eight officers costing $240,000 annually. And there would be added costs if the current courtrooms are maintained and inmates transported from the new jail to the courthouse for hearings and trials. The body also agreed to borrow $2.5 million over 15 years to pay for an expanded landfill and the needed equipment. That move is expected to save the county $20,000 monthly in hauling and landfilling costs. Commissioner Forest Clevenger called on his fellow commissioners to consider ways the county can save money. He said combining circuit and sessions court clerks would save on a salary, and eliminating the county road commission which is not required by state law, also would save money. Shelly Hammonds was appointed to the Cocke County Recreation Board replacing Butch Phillips who has medical issues.
|
Return to Today's News Stories - Front PageThursday, April 29, 2021
US 411 Project News
Mill Creek Wildfire Update
More Bad News For Smokies' Fans
Wednesday, April 28, 2021
Mill Creek Wildfire doubles in size
Goodbye Smokies?
Keep Cocke County Beautiful
Cocke Co. High School Remote Learning today!
Tuesday, April 27, 2021
The fireflies are coming!
Burnout Operations on MillCreek wildfire today
Gas prices drop
Tennessee keeps all US House seats
Monday, April 26, 2021
Boat accident victim ID'd
Traffic stop yields drug arrest
Cocke County Wildfires
Friday, April 23, 2021
Leaving WNPC
Mathis announces candidacy
Newport drug roundup
Cruise Against Cancer
Jobless numbers
|
|
|