By DAVE HAMRICK
Staff Writer

Residents who have been clamoring for a public forum to state their opposition to the Fayette County Commission's plans for a new jail and judicial complex will have their chance.

Commissioners will conduct a special called meeting Jan. 6 at 7 p.m. to present information on the $70 million project and accept public comment, both pro and con.

“We're going to try to make it as clear as we possibility can, and we want [the information presented] to be as complete and as right as we possibly can,” said commission Chairman Harold Bost after announcing the meeting this week.

Commissioners have been under fire in recent weeks from jail opponents who accused them of foot-dragging on the opponents' request for a hearing.

Resident Gerald Stoner, during last week's monthly commission work session, asked several pointed questions about when commissioners would face reelection, and about the process for a recall. But Bost said the public comment period in the meeting is not intended as a “question and answer” session, and Commissioner Herb Frady suggested Stoner phone commissioners, or call the county office for answers to his questions.

“We have requested several times that the Fayette County Board of Commissioners discuss the jail in a public hearing very soon,” jail opponent Denise Fair said during the work session. “I wish you would get on the ball.”

“There will be a full public hearing — it's just not scheduled yet,” Bost said. “We're trying to get sufficient information together so we can address any questions.”

He also reacted angrily to Fair's previous criticisms of the board, saying her statements haven't been factual. “And where were you ordained,” he added, “to be able to establish the fact that if we disagree with what you have stated, then we don't have integrity. This board has tons of integrity, and we will conduct ourselves accordingly,” he said.

Fair and resident Marilyn Benedetti had requested extra time on the commissioners' Dec. 9 business meeting to address the jail issue, but Bost said he removed that item from the agenda in favor of the Jan. 6 meeting. “You and any other citizens in attendance will be given an opportunity to provide input to the board at that time,” Bost said in a letter to Fair and Benedetti.

During the hearing Jan. 6, county officials will present information on the project and the options that commissioners are considering to finance the construction. Following the presentation, citizens will be given an opportunity to address the commissioners on the issue.

Opponents also have accused commissioners of having their minds made up about not only building the jail, but also about the proposed site, between Jimmie Mayfield Boulevard and Lee Street in Fayetteville.

While he admitted that commissioners have a definite point of view in the matter, Bost said they will be listening. “If there's some compelling reason to make a change, we would certainly consider it,” he said. “It would have to be a compelling reason. We have to make the best decision for the entire county,” he added.