By Kimberly McMillian
Correspondent
DAYTON, Tenn. — Tempers flared at Friday’s meeting of the Rhea County Commission’s Jail Committee, with the sheriff irritated at the glacial progress in addressing the jail’s overcrowding problem.
The jail was cited by the Tennessee Corrections Institute in September for housing 104 inmates when its certified capacity is only 87. Now it’s holding about 120 inmates, Sheriff Mike Neal told the committee.
The state has planned another inspection Monday to see if Rhea officials are taking steps to fix the problem.
If the state decertifies the jail, insurance premiums could increase or lapse.
Neal told committee members that the jail, built in 1973, is “falling apart.” He chided them for not sending out requests for architectural proposals on a new jail, as they’d discussed earlier this month.
County Commission Chairman Ronnie Raper, who’s also chairman of the Jail Committee, said commissioners haven’t decided to build a new jail or a bigger justice center to house several departments.
“We’ve got to do something” and get a game plan, newly elected Commissioner Jim Reed said.
At Monday’s inspection, the state wants a report on the steps that Rhea officials are taking. Raper said he had written a letter that would “give (the county) some breathing room.”
Raper said the letter explained that Neal and County Executive George Thacker will review four or five locations for a new jail and bring their recommendations to the committee.
“The letter won’t work,” Neal said, because the state wants a report.
“I think the letter will do it,” Raper said.
After 30 minutes of sometimes-heated debate, the committee approved the letter.
During the discussion, Sessions Court Judge James McKenzie, a member of the Jail Committee, asked if Neal could be held liable if the state decertifies the jail. Or should another committee should form to decide that issue, too? he asked sarcastically.
If the jail is decertified, Raper said, the issue would be handed over to County Attorney Carol Ann Barron.
Kimberly McMillian is based in Rhea County. Contact her at kdj424@bellsouth.net.
WHAT’S NEXT
The Jail Committee’s next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 9, at 5 p.m. at the Rhea County Courthouse Annex.