Clay Hoping To Put Out Jail Bids In December

Clay County jail project taking the next step in a lengthy process.

Sheriff Brandon Boone said all that’s needed to put the project out to bid is approval from the USDA, which they expect in the next week. He said their current goal is to put bids out this December.

“It was a little delayed, the city is upgrading the sewer line and the headworks at the sewer station to facilitate some old lines and they’re upgrading that,” Boone said. “The December bid will be for the construction of the whole facility. All the plumbing, the HVAC, electric, the concrete.”

Boone said the wheel tax has provided some cushion to cover the cost of the budgeted $7.5 million project. He said that approximately $800,000 has accumulated in that fund.

Boone said they are a little concerned at this time due to the rates of inflation and those costs. He said they’re hoping it will come within budget, but if it doesn’t they’ll have to bring it back to the commission.