MACON, Ga. — Since October's Bibb County jail escape, many Macon-Bibb leaders have said it's time for a new jail.
For more than six months, there's been speculation about where it might go, what might get included and how the process would even work. Tuesday, county commissioners bought several acres of land on Lower Poplar Street, and Mayor Lester Miller says it could be the site of the new lockup.
Lachelle Kitchens says she understands why a new facility is needed.
"He was stating to me that they had to use the bathroom in paper bags," she said about her grandson, who just got out of jail. "The facility, plumbing wasn't working and everything like that."
The Bibb County Sheriff's Office says when maintenance works on the plumbing system, they provide alternative bathroom locations with running water. Still, Sheriff David Davis has discussed plumbing problems in the 43-year-old jail. He says it can be a major expense — and a major headache.
"We have looked at some of these plumbing fixtures that are a little bit harder to tamper with," Davis said.
The sheriff says a new jail would solve many of the structural problems. He views Tuesday's commission vote as a path forward.
"One piece of the process, and I'm very encouraged that some property has been acquired," he said.
Mayor Miller says the purchase on Lower Poplar doesn't mean the county will build its next jail there, but it's a likely spot. It has its advantages.
"We don't have to have people step up and say, 'Not in my backyard,'" Miller explained. "So, acquiring 30 acres of land in an area that's not going to be obstructed to residents, I think is important, and is a safe environment we believe as well."
Regardless of where a new jail goes, or what's inside, Kitchens worries whether it will be properly staffed. She points to the time someone allegedly attacked her grandson.
"He got stabbed in the back of his head," Kitchens said.
Davis says new technology should help with staffing and reduce how many attacks happen in jail.
"Newer facilities take that into account, where that you have better access. It takes fewer guards, fewer deputies to watch a number of inmates," Davis said.
After commissioners approved the purchase, they also adopted a resolution that could help pay for the jail. It would allow the county to spend money toward approved SPLOST projects out of its general fund. The county would reimburse itself as it collects SPLOST dollars. Voters will decide whether to approve a new SPLOST next year, Miller said.