Bibb sheriff needs millions in jail upgrades; Mental health plan, procedures questioned

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Bibb County Sheriff David Davis denies jail overcrowding after a photo circulated on social media.

Bibb County’s sheriff was summoned to a work session Tuesday with Mayor Lester Miller and the county commission to discuss jail conditions and overcrowding. Sheriff David Davis says about $100,000 worth of repairs are needed but it will take millions of dollars to bring the Bibb County Law Enforcement Center up to current safety standards. Davis denied there is over-crowding after a photo circulated on social media of inmates in a crowded room.

Commissioners also raised concerns about Miller’s new committee structure that eliminated specific committees in favor of one Committee of the Whole to allow all commissioners a chance to debate proposals. Measures passing committee with a majority of commissioners now go to a consent agenda that is approved in bulk but some commissioners complained about the process during the regular meeting Tuesday evening.

The mayor’s mental health initiative with Southern Center for Choice Theory also was questioned as Commissioner Valerie Wynn said River Edge Behavioral Health Center could have performed that work for the $50,000 per month under the contract. Miller said this was a targeted effort using CARES funding to help reduce violent crime among local youth. The measure received final approval with only Wynn voting against it.

Here are the highlights from Tuesday’s meeting and work session in this summation of Tweets     during the presentation and meeting.