Jail spending issues await judge's decision
The county, which is waiting to hear whether it won a
legal challenge to a union labor agreement it's using to
build the $33 million jail, will have a special meeting
today to -- at the least -- take care of housekeeping details
that will cost a minimum of $3,000.
If the county learns today that it won the case -- state
Supreme Court Judge Joseph M. Sise's decision wasn't released
Friday -- lawmakers could consider borrowing $28 million
to fund the project. The county can't award construction
contracts until it wins the case.
The special meeting is at 6 p.m. The Legislature's Finance
Committee meeting will follow.
Even if they are waiting for the judge's decision, lawmakers
must decide whether to cough up $40,000 to buy the private
driveway they want to access the property off Commerce Lane
where the jail will be built, or buy a $3,000 three-month
option. The county has until March 31 to buy the driveway
for $64,000.
"We probably need to start moving ahead," said
Legislature Chairman J. Patrick Turbett, D-Potsdam.
The Triple A Lumber Building Center driveway on West Main
Street was the biggest controversy surrounding the project
before the labor agreement. A county error led to officials
announcing plans to use the property before negotiating
with the owner. The negotiation stalled, and the county
considered using its government right to take it instead.
After a tense month, the county agreed to pay only if the
town chipped in $24,000. The county also will make drainage
improvements valued at $13,919.
The jail is estimated at $33 million. The county already
has borrowed $3 million, and is using other funds to make
up the difference.
