Sussex County OKs $1.2M for prisoner transfer station, after wrangling lower bid
Sussex County will spend $1.2 million to add a prisoner transfer station to its communications center in Frankford, after the county commissioners were able to shave $200,000 off the initial bid for the project.
The modular building will go up at the communications center on Morris Turnpike (County Route 655.) It will be used as a secure location for the transfer of prisoners from local police departments to the custody of the county sheriff's office, which will then transport them to the Morris County Jail.
Prisoners to be handled at the new station include those who need to be held for initial arraignment before a judge or who have make first appearance and those ordered held without bail or who cannot immediately make bail.
Sussex County has discontinued the use of its old jail in Newton − which could be sold later this year − and pays for its prisoners to be held in the Morris County facility instead.
Commissioner gets a lower bid
The first bid for the project came earlier this year. But as the order was being completed, according to Commissioner Chris Carney, the question arose of who was paying for the shipping insurance to have the modular building delivered.
The seller "wanted us to take possession as soon as the truck left the yard and we can't do that," Carney later explained.
More: Why was Newton Green gazebo torn down? County cites crime, homeless for surprise move
As a result, the county declared that purchase null and voided the contract, leading to a rebid.
The new award has a purchase price of $1.17 million, "a $200,00 savings over the original," Carney said during Wednesday's meeting. The new purchase is from William Scotsman, Inc., and uses money the county has received through the American Rescue Plan Act, the COVID relief fund passed by President Biden and Congress in 2021.
New fees at Newton parking garage
The commissioners also approved new fees for use of the county's Newton parking garage located in the courthouse complex, and also approved installation of electric vehicle charging stations at that complex.
Sussex Community College trustee appointed
Commissioners also appointed Katherine Pepe as a member of the Sussex County Community College Board of Trustees. Her term expires July 10, 2028.
Email: bscruton@njherald.com Twitter/X: @brucescrutonNJH
This article originally appeared on New Jersey Herald: Sussex County OKs $1.2M for new prisoner transfer station in Frankford
