Published: March 04, 2008 10:50 pm      

Jail addition work to start

CHATSWORTH — Construction on a 120-bed addition to the Murray County Jail is expected to begin later this month, sole commissioner Jim Welch said Tuesday.

After a public hearing Tuesday morning, Welch agreed to close a portion of Civic Drive so that construction crews can begin the work.

The jail expansion is expected to cost between $8 and $9 million and is being funded from the Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) approved by voters last year. Meco Buildings of Chatsworth is building the addition.

The current jail holds 110 inmates and sometimes inmates have to be housed in other counties. Welch said once the jail addition is built, he hopes to house prisoners from other counties.

The expansion is expected to be completed in 12 to 14 months, Welch said.

In other action, Welch:

• Approved the purchase of two vehicles from Prater Ford for the sheriff’s office. The 2008 Ford Crown Victorias cost $19,688 each and will be paid for with 2002 SPLOST funds.

• Appointed Alan Kendrick and Brett Morrison to the Murray County Department of Family and Children Services Advisory Board.