The Fayette Citizen-News Page
Wednesday, November 24, 1999
Grand jury supports new jail

By MONROE ROARK
Staff Writer

Proponents of a new expanded jail in Fayette County now have one more weapon in their arsenal.

The grand jury included in its presentments after convening last week a recommendation “to the Fayette County Commissioners to begin construction of a new jail as soon as possible,” according to court records.

“Sheriff Randall Johnson addressed the Grand Jury concerning the overcrowding conditions that exist in the present jail,” the presentments stated. “Sheriff Johnson further stated that if the conditions in the jail are not addressed in a timely fashion, he fears the county may be required to build the jail under federal mandate.”

The jail was the only issue covered in last week's grand jury presentments, which are printed in the county's legal organ and distributed to all elected county officials.

County commissioners currently are in the planning phase of doing exactly as the Grand Jury recommended.

The group is pondering funding options for a $60 million project including additions and renovations to the current jail, plus a new courthouse complex, on about 65 acres of county-owned property between Jimmie Mayfield Boulevard and Lee Street in downtown Fayetteville.

Reactions from city residents have included everything from concern to outright opposition, and some homeowners associations in the area have taken formal action to oppose enlargement of the jail.

But Sheriff's Department officials over the last five years have made clear their contention that a new jail is needed, and that next door to the courthouse is the best place to put it.

Commissioners will continue their discussions of funding options at their monthly work session Dec. 1.

The county's governing body also is considering conducting public information meetings in the near future, to present detailed plans for the jail to the public and solicit comment.


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