The Lawrence County Commission recently authorized a quarter of a million dollars for a jail feasibility study. This past month, Commissioner DeAnna Holliday reported the county had already spent over $600,000 transporting prisoners out of county.

In addition to the millions spent to transport prisoners, the commissioners have, within the past 18 months, spent close to $1 million on non-budgeted buildings.

If the Franklin Furnace facility had been utilized when available, all of the money for at least the past year would be circulating in the area. Also, it would have created employment positions and freed the deputies for road patrol.

If you recall, County Auditor Jason Stephens said there was no money for the Franklin Furnace facility. Since we know the millions are available, we won’t have to worry about the powers that be trying to sneak a levy on the ballot to build a jail.

 

John Wolfe, Ironton