Cobb approves more than $600,000 in jail improvements

Cobb County Sheriff Neil Warren listens to proceedings in the Jessica Colotl case. Oct. 7, 2011 Bob Andres bandres@ajc.com

Cobb County Sheriff Neil Warren listens to proceedings in the Jessica Colotl case. Oct. 7, 2011 Bob Andres bandres@ajc.com

The Cobb County Commission approved more than $600,000 for a new roof and other upgrades to the county jail Tuesday.

The jail, which is run by the Sheriff's Office, currently houses about 2,000 people and can hold more than 3,000, said Col. Roland Craig, who presented the request to commissioners.

“The building is 30 years old now,” he said. “Some of the substructures will have to be replaced at this point.”

Funds from SPLOST will go to cover a new roof, new motors for cell doors, new emergency exits and new washers and dryers.

The board voted 4-0 to approve the expenditure, with Commission Chairman Mike Boyce absent.