The Cullman County Detention Center will receive a small security boost for its inmate block B, thanks to the county’s recent decision to pitch in for the replacement of door locks in the block’s 32 cells. 

On a recommendation from the sheriff’s office, the Cullman County Commission agreed Tuesday to hire Madison-based Cornerstone Detention Products, Inc. to install the new locks, which operations major Matt Hogue said are designed to further deter inmates from tampering.

“This is something we’ve done before in block C, and it just keeps the inmates from being able to attempt to defeat the locking mechanisms,” said Hogue. “It’s really for the safety and security of both the inmates and our staff.”

The commission authorized contributing up to $59,535 toward the locks’ installation.

In other business at its regular meeting Tuesday, the commission:

     • Declared surplus an AS/400 data management system formerly used by the water department.

     • Agreed to retain a mechanical engineer from Decatur-based Cornerstone Engineering Group, to assist in the purchase and installation of an HVAC system at the courthouse.

     • Extended a bond at the in-development Timber Ridge subdivision, located along County Road 2113.

     • Extended a current bid with B&B Petroleum for gas and diesel fuel to be used by the road department.

     • Awarded a lease bid for a track-mounted hydraulic excavator to g. Bid – Track mounted hydraulic excavator to Thompson Tractor of Tarrant, at a monthly cost of $1,275. The machine will be used by the road department, and is being leased for five years, with an option to purchase at the end of that term.

     • Awarded Eckenrod Ford a bid for $46,334 for the purchase of a heavy-duty truck for the sanitation department.

     • Set a public hearing for Sept. 24 for a petition for the county to vacate a portion of land near the end of County Road 319.

The next regular commission meeting will be held Aug. 13 at 10 a.m. in the commission meeting room of the Cullman County Courthouse. An 8:30 a.m. public work session will precede the meeting in the commission conference room.

Benjamin Bullard can be reached by phone at 256-734-2131 ext.145.