Fulton County leaders refused to be rushed Wednesday into going another $6.4 million in debt to replace the jail's cell door locks, a figure based on a rough estimate by the sheriff's office. The minimum-security locks, which many inmates know how to pick, are among the lingering issues preventing the county from shaking off federal jail oversight.

The county manager suggested increasing a $54.7 million loan, which funded other required jail upgrades, then putting lock replacement out for bid. The commission voted to get a more solid cost estimate first.

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Tracy Woodard from InTown Cares (left) and Lauren Hopper from Mercy Care organization work with residents at the Copperton Street encampment in August 2024. 
(Miguel Martinez / AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez