New jail? Voters will decide in Forsyth

It's been the hot local topic for the past few months: Will voters support constructing a new detention center and Sheriff's Office Headquarters?

The $91 million question will be answered Nov. 4 during the general election.

Past referendums have failed to approve the measure to replace the current jail built in 1976. If the new detention center is approved next month, the facility is expected to open in 2012.

Local officials have stated the county desperately needs a new jail to alleviate overcrowding. The county has already spent more than $700,000 in design fees to make sure, as Commission Chairman Charles Laughinghouse previously stated, voters will have all the information needed to make an informed decision.

But some in the community, notably those in the adjacent Wyngate subdivision, have spoken against the jail in two August town hall meetings citing the proposed location at 608 Veterans Memorial Boulevard near downtown Cumming and the overall cost of the proposal.

However, no one in the community has openly denied the need for a new jail to replace the aging facility.

The overcrowding resulted in 9,717 trips in 2007 transporting inmates to different counties across the state. And there's also a need to provide a safe environment for the deputies.

Regardless of what officials believe the county needs, voters will ultimately decide at the polls Nov. 4. Local election information is available at www.forsythco.com.
- www.northfulton.com

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