Coweta County commissioners Tuesday night voted to authorize a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for a needs assessment and space analysis for a future expansion of the county jail. The board also voted to appoint a five-person committee to review the submittals. The expansion would be funded by a future 1-cent sales tax initiative.

Sheriff Mike Yeager told commissioners that the jail currently houses 350 inmates and that additional planned accommodations will bring the total to more than 400 beds. But as for the future, Yeager said the jail would eventually need to accommodate another 300-350 beds.

Noting similar comments by county administrator Theron Gay, Yeager said that planning for the expansion has been a long-term endeavor.

The RFQ will provide the mechanism for interested firms to submit their credentials for review. Those deemed by the committee to be qualified for the work will be asked to submit a Request for Proposal for the project once the funding is in place.

The committee make-up will include three representatives from the sheriff’s office, one representative from the county finance office and one additional member.

The expansion project would require voter approval of an extended 1-cent sales tax. the current Special Purpose Local Options Sales Tax (SPLOST) will expire in 2012, Gay said.

During the discussion, Commissioner Al Smith asked for a breakdown of the types of offenses for which inmates are being housed. Yeager noted a wide array of infractions that led to incarceration, with probation violation being the main reason. Yeager said other significant numbers include those awaiting transfers and those who could no make bond.

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