Polk County Jail in need of control system upgrade
A new jail control system, relocation of the 911 Center and equipment bids highlighted the Public Safety Committee meeting of Polk County.
These items would be included in reports or discussions of the Polk County Board of Commissioners on Tuesday.
Sheriff Johnny Moats said the control system now in use at the jail was installed when it was erected. He said it includes both the old and new portions of the facility and was a cutting edge design when placed.
However, the aged system needs to be replaced. “We don’t need a new one with all the bells and whistles,” he said. “We just need something that will last and should be kept maintained.”
Moats emphasized the work would require a specialist in the field. “We have had several people look at it, but they did not seem to have a clear idea of how to correct problems,” he said.
He suggested forming a panel to review needs and proceed with the bid process.
Denton gave a brief update on relocation of the 911 Center into the basement of the building housing Floyd Polk Medical Center. He said he continues to work with Manager Bill Fann and Cedartown officials regarding the move.
He predicts that it will be early 2015 before major decisions or agreements are finalized.
Denton said the County would only have to pay for architectural fees, cost of gas, water, sewer and power and salary for an individual that would be on duty.
However, Denton noted that county officials are considering a “Plan B” in event an agreement can’t be worked out. He emphasized the facility now housing the 911 Center is not adequate and the equipment is outdated.
“We need to relocate into a more secure site,” he said. “Our hope is the discussions with Cedartown will lead to an agreement.”
The committee also viewed three bids for 17 chainsaws and 18 pair of chaps for the Polk County Fire Department.
Bidders and totals included: Croker’s Hardware, $8,354; Joe Hill, $8,264.70; and Haney Supply, $8,672.40.
Commissioner Phillip Bentley asked that additional chainsaws be purchased for the sheriff’s department. These would be used to help clear roads or similar incidents in times of emergency.
Bids were also received for fire hose for the fire department. These included: Fire Line at $2,400; Ten 8, $2,050; American Fire and Safety, $2,580; and Nafeco, $2,238.
Attending the meeting were Denton, Moats, Bentley, David McElwee, assistant manager; Kenny Dodd, county police chief; Randy Lacey, public safety director and Dawn Turner, clerk.