Jail expansion discussion, resurfacing project begins

By LEAH INGRAM EAGLE

A work session between the Shelby County Commission, county leaders, Sheriff John Samaniego and other officers from the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office was held prior to the commission meeting on April 24, regarding a potential expansion for the Shelby County Jail.

The project was originally discussed in October 2020 but has been on hold for several reasons, including the economic climate during and after the pandemic.

County Manager Chad Scroggins said the county has seen the cost of construction materials go through the roof and added that many municipalities and counties around the country are using their American Rescue Plan Act funds for these construction projects, which has driven up projected bid costs.

“What the Sheriff’s Office and our county staff have all talked about is likely the best options to achieve some growth in space,” Scroggins said. “The major needs that we have in the Sheriff’s Office are expensive, but this does buy us a significant amount of time. As far as capacity goes, it has some safety features for our professionals inside the jail, and it helps with the mental health and health needs that we have at the current jail.”

The next step will be to place the project for bid and begin construction. 280 Living will provide updates as information becomes available.

During the county manager’s report in the regular commission meeting, Scroggins noted that there has been a lot of communication back and forth with the state Legislature.

“I want to commend our legislative delegation for being very active, very proactive, and listening to our concerns,” Scroggins said. “We plan on continuing to let them know what we think about the bills and the impact they have on our county.”

County Engineer David Willingham gave an update on the highway department’s resurfacing schedule and said the contractor was set to begin work the week of May 1. Most of the work during the first month will be done during the day, but some work is planned the first of June on some of the busier routes, and the county will provide that information to the public.

Of the 28 projects total, these will take place in the 280 Living coverage area:

► Meadow Drive: East of Valleydale, just north of Spain Park High School (length 2,186 ft.)

► Shelby County 39: From Shelby County 69 north to the point just south of Chelsea Recreational Park, near Kings Home Drive (length 13,470 ft.)

► Bayhill Road, Bayhill Terrace & Bayhill Circle: In Heatherwood subdivision off Masters Lane (length 1,181 ft.)

► Shelby County 11: From just west of Chelsea High School to Shelby County 280 in Chelsea (length 10,330 ft.)

► Shelby County 41: From Hawthorn Street north to Hugh Daniel Drive (length 6,937 ft.)

► Cyrus Circle: East off Shelby County 17 (Valleydale Road) to just south of Meadow Drive (length 581 ft.)

► Shelby County 433: North off Shelby County 439 (Liberty Road to Shelby County 39 (length 2,223 ft.)

► Shelby County 437: South off Shelby County 280 to U.S. 280 (length 2,183 ft.)