Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: TUESDAY, August 24, 1993 TAG: 9308240341
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C5 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: PAUL DELLINGER STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: PULASKI LENGTH: Medium
The supervisors did not formally withdraw from the regional jail study, although Supervisor Bruce Fariss made a motion to do so.
Chairman Jerry White said there is too little data available on whether it is possible to expand the jail or buy adjacent property.
"It's an important question, I think, that needs to be answered - what can you do at the existing site?" White said.
Pulaski County was to have decided Monday night whether to participate in a study required by the state for regional jail projects that would qualify for 50 percent matching state funds.
The cities of Radford and Galax and counties of Floyd, Giles, Carroll and Grayson had indicated they would share in the cost of the study. Wythe County has dropped out after participating in an earlier preliminary study.
Supervisor Ira "Pete" Crawford reminded White that Pulaski County had been told a decision was needed at once to get the study done in time for the next funding cycle.
"OK, we're told that. What are they gonna do, shoot us?" White said. "I think we should keep the option open and I think we can do that by doing nothing tonight."
If it turns out that expanding the existing jail is not feasible, White said, there is always the possibility of rejoining the regional project.
The board then voted 4-1, with Mason Vaughan voting no, for Fariss' motion allowing up to $20,000 for an evaluation of what to do with the county jail.
"We need some engineering answers," Fariss said.
The regional jail study committee is scheduled to meet Aug. 31 in Radford.
by CNB