S heriff Tyler Hatfield and engineer Tim Little of OLG Engineering spoke to the Metro Council at February’s council meeting regarding the proposed renovations at the Sheriff ’s Office and jail. The plans have been in the works for almost a year, and have been reviewed by both the Tennessee Corrections Institute and the State Fire Marshall’s office to assure compliance with state regulations.

The proposed work to be done includes upgrading the kitchen from residential equipment to commercial equipment. The jail is responsible for feeding inmates three meals a day, every day, with an average inmate population of 25 or 26 inmates.

The new equipment will include a six burner stainless steel stove and a commercial hood with fire suppression and improved exhaust, as well as a stainless steel prep station. The space will be redesigned for better work flow and meal preparation. These measures will bring the kitchen into compliance with state regulations.

There will also be a redesigning of the intake and booking area, for both security and better work flow. Water damage to the roof and ceiling will be repaired, including replacing some of the decking and rafters that have been damaged over years of leaks. Replacing roofing screws that have allowed leaks with larger, leak proof screws should solve the leak issue.

Some of the inmate area will be redesigned, giving space for two more beds for female inmates, while still following the state’s square foot regulation for housing inmates. Asked if all of the inmates were Moore County residents, Hatfield replied that the jail only occasionally houses inmates from other counties, but does occasionally have other counties house females from Moore County.

Bids will soon be sent out, with replies expected no later than mid-April. The Sheriff will then return to Metro Council with those bids for approval.