Tag Archives: Jail Expansion

Putnam County is facing staffing shortages now and will also have to address increased staffing needs with the current expansion. Sheriff Eddie Farris said original CTAS estimates for the expanded facility called for a staff of about 75. Farris said now it appears that number is closer to about 100. “They’re taking into consideration not only the addition to the ... Read More »

You may notice some heavy machinery near the Putnam County Justice Center as dirt work has begun on the jail expansion. Sheriff Eddie Farris said over the next month, several feet of dirt in the lower parking lot of the justice center will be removed to create a foundation. “The new building will be attached to our current facility, so ... Read More »

Demolition has begun in preparation to break ground on the Putnam County Jail expansion. The county commission purchased six parcels around the Justice Center last year for parking. Sheriff Eddie Farris said the two properties on Locust Avenue are being cleared. “They started last Friday and they should be finished with the cleanup this Thursday the 21st,” Farris said. “And ... Read More »

Preliminary work has begun on the Putnam County Jail expansion project in its lower parking lot this week. Sheriff Eddie Farris said that engineers have been on-site working to finalize details and ensure everything is ready to break ground sometime in October. Farris said the construction company has been working with their partners on initial engineering work and finalizing the ... Read More »

Putnam County Sheriff Eddie Farris said Monday night’s commission vote to approve a $52.7 million jail expansion bond is a very important moment. Farris said the jail has been under a Tennessee Corrections Institute plan of action to address overcrowding since he became sheriff. Farris said the over 600 beds will affect sentencing for offenders who need to be incarcerated. ... Read More »

By a 23-1 vote Monday night, Putnam County Commissioners approved a $98 million bond proposal to fund jail expansion and a new K-8 school. Commissioners spent very little time debating the proposals Monday night, which have been discussed for several years. Only District Four Commissioner Theresa Tayes voted no. Commissioner Cindy Adams cited a concern with maxing out the bond ... Read More »

Architects will begin final work on drawings for the Putnam County Jail. County commissioners approved up to $250,000 in architectural work Monday night. Sheriff Eddie Farris said this begins the process of creating final drawings, a process that would take about eight months. Farris said the goal remains to break ground this fall. “We still think if we can get ... Read More »

The Putnam County Commissioners voted Monday to move forward with a request for proposals to oversee the jail expansion. A construction manager would oversee and direct the expansion project. Commissioners gave County Mayor Randy Porter authorization to request proposals and begin negotiations on an agreement. Judge Doug McKenzie of the Corrections Committee called the RFP the next logical step in ... Read More »

Putnam County Commissioners will move forward with plans to expand the current jail in the parking lot of the current Justice Center. When that expansion will happen and which properties the county will purchase for the expansion remain decisions for the future. The Fiscal Review Committee voted to hold off on any decisions about buying the property until the discussion ... Read More »