Clay County’s proposed $15 million jail project remains on hold as county officials struggle to find a way to pay for construction without significantly increasing taxes.
Mayor Greg Brannon said the estimated cost has tripled from approximately $5 million two decades ago. A a wheel tax established five or six years ago has generated about $3.5 million toward the project.
“We are still working on a resolution for the jail,” Brannon said, “We just don’t want to put the burden on the people of the county, that’s the reason why there’s a hold up,” Brannon said. “You know, I think everyone that has ever been in our jail that we have here now would know that we need a jail in Clay County.”
Brannon said environmental work at the proposed site and preliminary architectural drawings have been completed. County officials are now exploring ways to reduce construction costs before proceeding with final plans.
Brannon said postponing construction could ultimately make the project more expensive, particularly after rising costs following the COVID-19 pandemic contributed to the current price.
“And I get it, the jail should have been built 20 years ago,” Brannon said. “I mean, they’ve been working on this jail for many, many, many years, and they should have went ahead and did it 20 years ago.”
Brannon said the county also faces potential consequences if problems at the existing jail result in a lawsuit or state intervention. Brannon acknowledged the state could force the county to construct a new facility, eliminating local control over the timing of the project.
Brannon said attracting industry and expanding tourism around Dale Hollow Lake could eventually strengthen the county’s tax base. However, efforts to develop an industrial park near Celina depend on a proposed truck route that he said TDOT has delayed another year. Brannon said the county is also pursuing improved medical services to help attract employers.
“If we can figure out a way financially to build it, it’ll be built,” Brannon said. “If we can’t, it could take some time, and like you said, the longer we take, the more expensive it’s going to be.”