Jasper Board Moves Ahead w/Jail Project

Jasper County Board members moved ahead with plans for a jail project at a special meeting Monday night.

The Building Committee is planning for a steel structure, which would cost $170,000 less than other structures. The cost is estimated at $700,000. The Committee has talked with architect Shannon Woodard. The plan is to let those who will use the facility work to design the building.

Woodard proposed a split-faced block building, and showed a photo of the City of Newton water treatment plant, which has a similar look.

There has been sentiment for expanding the existing structure, but there are concerns about the longevity of the current facility. There is also support for a totally new facility out on the edge of Newton, but the costs of relocating the communications tower would be a consideration.

The decision was made to move forward with a conceptual diagram through Connor and Connor Engineers of Robinson. The Board vote to move forward was unanimous.