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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Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D. (center) is flanked by GOP whip Sen. John Barrasso, R-Wyo. (left) and Finance Committee Chairman Mike Crapo, R-Idaho, as Thune speak to reporters at the Capitol in Washington on Tuesday, July 1, 2025. Earlier Tuesday, the Senate passed the budget reconciliation package of President Donald Trump's signature bill of big tax breaks and spending cuts. (J. Scott Applewhite/AP)

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