Proponents

of a new expanded jail in Fayette County now have

one more weapon in their arsenal.

The

grand jury included in its presentments after

convening last week a recommendation "to the

Fayette County Commissioners to begin

construction of a new jail as soon as

possible," according to court records.

"Sheriff

Randall Johnson addressed the Grand Jury

concerning the overcrowding conditions that exist

in the present jail," the presentments

stated. "Sheriff Johnson further stated that

if the conditions in the jail are not addressed

in a timely fashion, he fears the county may be

required to build the jail under federal

mandate."

The

jail was the only issue covered in last week's

grand jury presentments, which are printed in the

county's legal organ and distributed to all

elected county officials.

County

commissioners currently are in the planning phase

of doing exactly as the Grand Jury recommended.

The

group is pondering funding options for a $60

million project including additions and

renovations to the current jail, plus a new

courthouse complex, on about 65 acres of

county-owned property between Jimmie Mayfield

Boulevard and Lee Street in downtown

Fayetteville.

Reactions

from city residents have included everything from

concern to outright opposition, and some

homeowners associations in the area have taken

formal action to oppose enlargement of the jail.

But

Sheriff's Department officials over the last five

years have made clear their contention that a new

jail is needed, and that next door to the

courthouse is the best place to put it.

Commissioners

will continue their discussions of funding

options at their monthly work session Dec. 1.

The

county's governing body also is considering

conducting public information meetings in the

near future, to present detailed plans for the

jail to the public and solicit comment.

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