Faced with a time crunch, Shelby County Commissioners set a timeline to advance a recent jail resolution with the goal of either repairing or replacing the current lockup during the Monday, April 13 meeting.
Nevertheless, a new administration and commission will likely hold the deciding vote on an eventual solution, or they could decide to abandon the effort. The current term for elected county officials expires on Aug. 31.
“We’ve got to get this process started at some point,” recommended Commissioner David Bradford. “Kicking the can down the road doesn’t do anybody any good.”
The amended resolution requests the issuance of recommendations from a recent ad hoc committee. It was formed to go over the findings of a 2025 County Technical Assistance Service study. The agency weighed the pros and cons of a new jail, or a massive rehabilitation effort at 201 Poplar Ave. The evaluation is the first step in bringing an architect on board. Still, CTAS’s work was incomplete.
The agency lacks the know-how to conduct mechanical and structural engineering studies of the 45-year old facility. The studies have been penciled in for May 31 but to date, no firms have been hired to conduct them.
When both are completed, a “Request For Qualifications” will be issued for bids to begin another study to realize overall “the scope” of the project.
“This is just taking that next step,” said Bradford, who served as vice chair ad hoc committee.
The breadth is anybody’s guess. Estimates of bed counts range anywhere from 3,700 to 5,000. There are numerous other factors too, including the feasibility of new rehabilitation facilities at old jail.
Meanwhile, the cost for a new jail is estimated to be over $1 billion and climbing. No funding sources are in sight either. State lawmakers previously rejected two proposed sales tax increases to cover the cost.
The RFQ would be issued by the public works department by June 15. The ad hoc committee will look over the responses and have its comments back by Aug. 1.
Another goal of the updated resolution is to serve as a “placeholder” during upcoming FY2027 negotiations. With the item in the budget, it could sway the next commission to take up the cause. Or, they could opt to abandon the endeavor altogether. The new commission will be sworn in Sept. 1.
“When you have a change in leadership, it becomes really difficult to add it in at some point later when we are the ones trying to set up this scope,” said Commissioner Michael Whaley. “We would lean on the administration in the proposed budget to have that already in there.”
Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris has previously expressed little support for pursuing a new jail during his final term.
The $500,000 interim price tag on the RFQ also was cause for concern for at least one commissioner. For example, a similar study for a much smaller in-state facility came in with a higher figure.
“I know Rutherford County did theirs, 1800 beds … ours is 3,700 beds, possibly. Theirs was $600,000, so I just have some concerns with the numbers and how this is all moving forward,” said Commissioner Amber Mills. “I just want to make sure it’s done right.”
The resolution passed 9-0-1. Mills abstained.
During the meeting, commissioners also approved a $54,087 resolution to cover the cost of repairs to kitchen equipment at the Shelby County Jail. At least $16.5 million has been allocated in the current fiscal year to address maintenance and safety issues at the facility.
