New Jail Plans Increase Costs by $602,000

GORDON COUNTY, Ga. — Plans for a new dormitory-style jail in Gordon County have been revised at the recommendation of the county’s sheriff to improve safety and security.

Original plans called for 16-man dormitory housing units, but sheriff’s officials believe that four-man cells would improve safety, according to reports.

Critics of the new design argue that dorm-style cells are not more dangerous and that the county cannot afford the increase in costs.

The new plans reduced the number of beds in the facility by eight, but the overall cost of construction is expected to increase by about $600,000.