New Ambulance For Dekalb County Via State Grant
DeKalb County will purchase a new ambulance thanks to a $305,461 state grant. Mayor Matt Adcock said the funding comes from a bill passed by the state legislature that authorized 89 counties to receive new emergency vehicles. Adcock said the grant requires no local matching funds. “It was a full, no match grant that we […]
DeKalb County Commission Votes Down Jail Project Postponement
A proposal to temporarily halt work on DeKalb County’s planned jail project until after the August election failed, with commissioners voting 9-3 against the measure. Commissioner Myron Rhodey said voters should go to the polls before work continues. “I think we need to, according to people I’ve talked with, we need to slow down on […]
DeKalb Approves Jail Funding After Failed Vote Delay
The DeKalb County Commission approved a capital outlay note for the new county jail Monday night following a failed attempt to remove the item from the agenda. Commissioner Greg Matthews led the effort to delay the vote, arguing that the body had received insufficient information regarding the project’s scope and impact on the surrounding neighborhood. […]
DeKalb Reveals Schematic Design For New County Jail
As DeKalb County considers a $35 million plan for a new 182-bed jail, the project’s architect presented the schematic design to the county commission. Project Architect John Eisenlau said the firm met numerous times with the Sheriff’s Department and the Tennessee Corrections Institute to ensure the design meets all TCI standards. “I’m happy report today […]
DeKalb Commissioners Vote Down Austin Bottom Purchase
The DeKalb County Commission decided against purchasing land for the Austin Bottom Fire Hall Monday night as the price doubled and acreage shrank. Mayor Matt Adcock said the property was priced around $33,000 for two acres last month. Now, the property owners are asking ask $60,000 for 0.7 acres. e from the original promise of […]
DeKalb Appraising Smithville Property, Considering Selling Others
The DeKalb County Commission will move forward on appraising a property located behind the Smithville Police Department. Commissioner Tom Chandler said the commission considered selling the property as the county has selected a different location to build a new jail. Chandler said he is not in favor of selling the property but does believe it […]
Dekalb Commissioner Luna Resigns, No Timeline Replacement
DeKalb County will have to fill a vacant seat on the county commission after District Three Commissioner Tony Luna resigned Monday night. Commissioner Tom Chandler said he thinks it is a shame that Luna has decided to resign. Chandler said this is the fourth commissioner to resign from this commission. “I don’t believe it was […]
DeKalb Commissioners Approve Smith Road Site for Jail
After months of discussion, the DeKalb County Commissioners have committed to purchase property on Smith Road to construct a new jail. The commission will purchase an estimated 71.5 acres. The final cost will not exceed $1.8 million. Core drilling results are also pending. Jail Committee Chairman Larry Green said Smith Road was the best option. […]
DeKalb Jail Committee To Pursue Sites Outside Downtown
The DeKalb County Jail Committee will pursue sites outside of downtown Smithville for a new jail. The Jail Committee voted this week to remove the downtown options on a 9-2 vote. Jail Committee Chairman Larry Green said the committee is now pursuing two green space sites. “I’d rather keep those under a hat right now, […]
DeKalb Steps Back On Jail Decision; Explore Renovation
After hearing frustrations from local residents, the Dekalb County Jail Committee wants to revisit all possible solutions to the county’s jail problem. Jail Committee Chairman Larry Green said the committee had looked at renovating the current jail a year and a half ago. He said he hopes this time around it will be a cheaper […]
