Madison Co. Sheriff’s Office to relocate to West Middle School

JACKSON, Tenn. — The Madison County Sheriff’s Office will move into West Middle School. County commissioners approved the change Monday and $180,000 in funding for roof repairs at the facility.

“It’s completely deteriorated,” Madison County Sheriff John Mehr said. “There’s leaks all through there.”

Mehr said the current location on East College Street needs electrical work plus heating and cooling repairs. Madison County Commission Chairman Gary Deaton said it would cost more than $700,000 to renovate. “If we have to spend $700,000, I’d rather spend it in a permanent location than spending it in a place that will be temporary,” Deaton said.

Madison County Commissioner Gerry Neese said he knows the sheriff’s office needs to move but has concerns about the cost to relocate and renovate the former school. “We don’t know exactly what the cost of the move is going to be to West,” Neese said.

Commissioners and Mehr said they are not sure what will happen with the old building on East College Street. “I’m sure it could be utilized in some fashion, but it’s going to take a lot of money to bring it back up to par,” Deaton said.

Mehr said they already started moving out and hope to be in the new location by Spring 2017.

Mehr said the new training center will also be at West Middle School next to the sheriff’s office.