County Commissioners Go Into Executive Session

Delaware County Commissioners went into Executive Session at Monday's regular meeting to discuss duties, policies and procedures of the county's emergency services director, but took no action, according to Bruce Poindexter, Chairman.

In other business, the jail population is down to 60 and Nic Lelecas, assistant district attorney, advised the commissioners that a letter was going out to State Jail Inspector Don Garrison on discussions and progress being made at the jail. He said some prisoners were released on the own recognizance and reduced bond amounts; the sally-port study was completed and rejected as a solution due to cost and lack of approval from the fire marshall; and jail pods were studied for placement in the parking lot, and rejected as not cost effective.

The final solution will have to be new options, such as a new jail supported by a bond issue or tax, the commissioners agreed. Commissioner Dave Kendrick recommended that a study be made of the issue, such as future location, number of beds, cost, and how to finance. Commissioner Howard Payton said "it is unfortunate, but a sales tax increase will be needed to take care of the problem, long term. Poindexter pointed out that "if we build it to Federal specifications, it will pay for itself from DOC prisoner revenue." He said we should think 40 years into the future.