Franklin BOC Set to Vote Monday on Beginning Jail Expansion Project

The Franklin County Board of Commission is expected to sign off on a plan to begin working on building half of a proposed four-pod expansion at the Franklin County Detention Center.

At their work session Tuesday evening, the board heard from county manager John Phillips who recommended the county begin moving forward.

Phillips said he met recently with Sheriff Stevie Thomas and architects to discuss a phase one plan that would give the jail two extra pods at a construction cost of $1.5 million.

But he said they have not been able to find a contractor who would do the work for that amount.

Phillips, however, did have one recommendation on a way for the county to safe on design and construction costs.

“We could save some money by putting the project out as a design/build project,” he said. “We would ask people to submit a design/funding proposal. They would come up with a plan that they could build for $1.5 million.”

Commissioner Jeff Jacques noted the county would set the parameters as part of the request for proposal.

Commissioner David Strickland has been researching options for the extra $500 to $600-thousand dollars needed to get the project started.

Strickland suggested a $600,000 loan at a monthly payment of about $5,000 a month.  He said the USDA also has a funding option which could be paid back over 40 years at $500 a month.

Strickland also noted local banks are very interested in working with the county to supply that loan amount.

Jacques said the board must weigh every funding option and know what the cost of construction will be going in before moving forward.

After more discussion the board said they are ready to vote Monday evening at the November meeting to move forward with advertising for a contractor/architect.

Monday’s meeting begins at 6p at the Justice Center in Carnesville.