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2008-07-10  FORSYTH HERALD | Forsyth closing in on jail numbers
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| | by Logan Thomas | |  |
July 14, 2008
www.northfulton.com
FORSYTH COUNTY -- Officials are working toward finishing their plans for a new jail in time for August public hearings and the November election.
Forsyth County Manager Rhonda O'Connor said the total cost for the project, including the land, should come in around $80 million. However, no numbers are set in stone.
The finished jail should have 480 beds and a base to handle any future expansion.
"We had a core group meet weekly and come together for a preliminary design," she said. "This process has been very intense and collaborative in every way."
Several different entities were brought in for the planning process.
Now, the decision before the Forsyth County Board of Commissioners is how to present the jail and sheriff's headquarters to the voters.
"For example," O'Connor said, "we could put just the construction cost of $58 million on the ballot and search for other sources of revenue."
Commissioners also discussed whether or not they should place the sheriff's headquarters and the jail together or separate on the ballot.
There are numerous expenses in creating the jail unrelated to construction such as the moving expenses from the current jail, which was built in 1976.
"Everything will have to go over there," O'Connor said. "These numbers are based on a 20-month process."
Should voters approve the jail bond, the ground breaking could be held in early 2009 with the jail opening in 2012. Voters will have the chance to view more information on the jail with two town hall meetings scheduled for August.
Sheriff Ted Paxton said the county is currently holding inmates in several other counties and cities.
A decision on the final ballot language will be made a future meeting of the board of commissioners.
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Forsyth County Public Hearings
The local government is in the midst of public hearings regarding the next county budget.
The total millage increase of 0.75 mills is due to the approval of the $100 million parks, recreation and green space bond measure approved by voters in February.
Anyone in attendance is invited to speak to the county commissioners during these public hearings.
Two more public hearings are scheduled for July 17 at 11 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. at the Forsyth County Administration Building at 110 East Main Street, Suite 220 in Cumming.
More budget information is also available at www.forsythco.com. | |
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