Improvements continue at the Ozark County jail

A bevy of improvements to the Ozark County Jail are continuing, as county commissioners signed off Monday on a plan to have the building painted this fall.

Commissioners Terry Newton, Gary Collins and Layne Nance opened the one and only submitted bid to have the jail building repainted.

The sole bidder, Randy Conrad Painting, was selected by commissioners at a cost of $16,300. Conrad was the last one to paint the building nearly 15 years ago, according to Newton.

“I think the cost to do it back then was around $12,500, so I was kind of surprised that the cost really hasn’t increased like I thought it would,” Newton said.

Commissioners voted to select Randy Conrad Painting for the project. Newton said the building would be the same color, and the repainting would likely help reseal and waterproof the block building and help keep water out.

“It will probably be early fall,” Newton said of when the painting will be done. “He was planning his fall calendar, so I think once the weather cools off a little the project will get under way.”

Newton said improvements are continuing at the jail, including a new roof and new windows, along with other “much needed” improvements.

In other business during the commission’s July 17 meeting, commissioners voted to designate the county as a Purple Heart county, honoring those who have received the Purple Heart Medal as a result of being wounded while engaged in combat with an enemy force. Newton said that the county could order signs announcing the designation.

Commissioners also again tabled opening bids for redoing the courthouse steps. Bids will be opened on July 24.

County commissioners meet at 9 a.m. every Monday on the second floor of the Ozark County Courthouse. The meetings are open to the public.