Board approves funding request

An immediate need at the Henry County jail is being addressed.

An immediate need at the Henry County jail is being addressed.

One of two major funding requests from the Henry County Sheriff’s Office was approved by the Henry County Board of Commissioners at its Jan. 17 regular meeting.

The commissioners approved the replacement of five water-chilled air handler units for the jail at a cost of more than $1.7 million, replacing units that are more than 20 years old and in disrepair.

Also on the agenda was to spend $4.2 million on an emergency structure that would house inmates and address serious overcrowding at the jail, but that measure was tabled.

According to officials, Inmate population has grown from 602 last June to 933 as of Dec. 1, and housing 100 inmates in other corrections facilities would cost more than $3 million per year.

Information: co.henry.ga.us.