Plans for old Madison Academic building, jail remodel discussed at Madison Co. Commissioners meeting

JACKSON, TN (WNBJ) - The Madison County Board of Commissioners held its’ January meeting this morning. At the meeting, the board discussed several topics including the latest on the jail renovations and plans for the old Madison Academic High School building.

“It is progressing. Right now, we are waiting on our detention supplier to do the cameras and some more equipment for security. That is backlogged because of COVID,” said Sheriff John Mehr, Madison County.

The Madison County finance director explained the cost and need for the new jail.

“Today’s report indicated that the jail should be completed by March 31st. The debt issuance on our new jail was 51 million dollars. So, once this is completed, we will have a state-of-the-art facility for law enforcement and for those who need to be housed in our jail in Madison County,” said Karen Bell, the Finance Director for Madison County.

Madison County Sheriff Mehr is hoping to get that equipment soon and possibly move up the projected completion date.

With those new renovations completed, the sheriff’s department says they will need to hire more correctional officers for the jail.

“Well, we have 26 positions in the jail that have been open. We have filled a couple, but then we’ve had some retirements that will be coming up in the next few months. There will be a 5,000 dollars bonus in all so if they contact us, we will give them a listing. Just reach out to us because we need the help and help people build a career,” said Sheriff John Mehr, Madison County.

At the county commissioner's meeting, the board also discussed plans for the old Madison Academic High School building.

“It is our Superintendent, Dr. King, intent that the old Madison facility that has now been vacated when they moved into their new school last week, will be used as a hub center. That will have a command center to monitor our schools. We will have a family resource center available; we will have a café. We will house our central office that will move from the North Parkway location so that it will be located in our midtown community to keep that viable and operational,” said Karen Bell, the Finance Director for Madison County.

The next Madison County Board of Commissioners meeting will be Tuesday, February 22nd at 8:30 a.m. at the West Tennessee Research and Education Center in Jackson.