JACKSON, Tenn. - At Monday night's meeting the commissioners voted 16-2-4 to approve a
contract with the architect firm Hart Freeland Roberts Design/Rosser
International for the company to move ahead with phase 1 and 2 of a new
criminal justice complex.

Based on the studies provided by the county, the firm will provide options
on what a new jail and justice complex will look like and will provide
estimates on operating costs.

Commissioner Larry Lowrance questioned whether the firm would do their own
needs assessment study, where the Hart study info came from and is that
study available, and what kind of input will commissioners have during
these two phases.

Mayor Harris spoke in support of the motion and said this was just a first
step assuring that no other commitments have been made.  Harris said the
group will begin meeting with Sheriff Department jail to start design plans
and wish lists for the possible jail expansion.

The plan calls for a minimum max bed capacity of 649.  The contract was
approved for $210,000