COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – Branch County Commissioners decided during their work session on Tuesday to bring forward to next week’s meeting a request for proposals for the repair of the roof in the maximum security area of the Branch County Jail.
This comes after the County Jail Evaluation Group met last week and felt a five year timeline was appropriate for immediate jail repairs.
County Administrator Bud Norman said the group felt the jail was unstable in its current condition and that future commissions must address this sooner rather than later.
The J.E.G. determined the maximum area roof repairs was the top priority and that it would cost $55,000. The next highest priority would be repairs to the jail parking lots.
Norman added the J.E.G. is still looking at what to do about transferring female prisoners to Calhoun County when conditions become to crowded.
It was estimated the repairs over the next two years would cost $180,000 with $115,000 being spent for roof, plumbing and electrical repairs this year.
