Jasper PFA Discusses Jail Expansion Project

The Jasper County Public Facilities Authority (PFA) convened in a brief meeting Tuesday to discuss updates on the Jasper County jail expansion project currently in the works.

PFA Chairman Gerald Stunkel shared with the quorum of authority members gathered that he along with the county manager, county commission chairman, the sheriff and two deputies, and members of the architectural firm Precision Planning had reviewed the bids for construction on the project.

He noted that five companies submitted bids ranging from $600,000 to $710,000 After reducing the acceptable bids to three, the panel has settled on its final bid which they plan to present their recommendation to the county commission during its regular meeting Monday.

The chairman said that the bond process won’t likely start until April 2022 allowing time for the construction company to analyze the scope of the project. Also, construction is targeted to begin in August 2022.

Authority members also discussed what may possibly be its next project—funding a recreation department facility to include basketball courts, classrooms, and a conference room. The plan includes having the facility function as a designated disaster relief center. Outside expansion for soccer and baseball fields are in the works too.

Members approved a resolution of intent regarding intergovernmental agreements which essentially limits the liability of the PFA to the minimum of solely issuing revenue bonds leaving the other details to the county commission.

Members also agreed to set their regular meeting date for the first Tuesday of the even months until the bonding process begins. The next regular meeting is planned for April 5 at 6 p.m. in the commissioners meeting room.

April will also be the first year anniversary of the board appointments. Treasurer Charles Forsythe noted that he will not seek reappointment as he would like to lighten his responsibilities.