Rutherford County continues to move forward with plans for a new jail and Sheriff’s Office campus on the former county fairgrounds property, but the owners oppose eminent domain, say the land is under a $38 million contract, and point to questions about whether the site has enough sewer capacity.
The Rutherford County Commission voted 12–9 on July 16 to approve a resolution allowing the county to negotiate for the property, located near the Rutherford Boulevard and Church Street intersection, and to begin condemnation proceedings if a voluntary purchase cannot be completed.
County officials say the approximately 52.67-acre South Church Street property offers the best long-term solution for replacing a detention center operating beyond its original design capacity. Its location beside the county’s Correctional Work Center and near its juvenile justice facilities could also reduce transportation, medical and food service costs, according to commissioners…