Overton Upgrading Jail HVAC And Computer System Through Grant

Overton County has received a $170,000 state grant bringing HVAC and computer upgrades to its Justice Center.

County Executive Ben Danner said he anticipates the county budget committee to approve the money next month with the bid process starting after that.

“We can have it where the deputies can book people in without having to come into the jail and that way keep everybody separated for COVID reason, and the HVAC the buildings going on 20-years-old now.”

Danner said about $100,000 will be spent for the computer upgrades and about $70,000 for HVAC. Danner said  about three or four HVAC units will be replaced.

“We did replace some of the units I guess seven years ago, but we’re looking to replace the older units,” Danner said. “That will help with energy costs and for COVID reasons, the circulation.”

White and Putnam Counties also received the same grant last week. Between the three governments, some $1.5 million of grant funds have been awarded from the State Department of Health.

“They’re looking at the next few months that will come to us,” Danner said. “I’m sure this is from the federal COVID funds coming down to the state. The whole COVID situation is bad, but as far as funding for counties it’s really helped from the grants that have came down. There’s a lot of money coming into all the counties.”