The Marshall County Sheriff’s Department is looking to lower its utility costs by spending a bit of money on lowering the ceiling in the lobby at the jail.
Sheriff Matt Hassel approached the County Commissioners Monday morning about the request. The high ceilings in the lobby have created a bit of an uncomfortable environment for employees and other visitors. Both the entry space and the offices in the same area have been left extremely cold in the winter, and excessively warm in the summer due to the way the spaces are designed.
Hassel says lowering the ceilings in the 911 center has already been attempted with what are considered pretty good results.
“In doing that, we also realized that we have a big problem with our lobby,” says Hassel. “Because of the high ceilings and the windows at the top, being able to control that.”
By installing a drop ceiling and lowering the sprinkler heads along with it, noise is reduced at the Marshall County Jail, but utility costs are also controlled in the lobby. It was noted during Monday’s meeting that the construction of the roof also creates loud noise during heavy rains.
Quotes were gathered to estimate the cost of performing the work in the lobby. Of the four bids submitted, about $13-thousand is required to extend 12 fire sprinkler heads and install the ceiling with fireproof tiles.
Sheriff Hassel says the funds would come from the Special Legislative CAGIT fund to pay the company that previously worked on the 911 center for the lobby work.
“They did an excellent job of working around us and working with us so we can continue providing our services without a disruption,” says Hassel.
The Marshall County Commissioners gave their approval to the project and the funding source.
The proposal will now head to the Marshall County Council for approval of the additional cost.
