Dixon to BOC: Why have we not looked at expanding the existing jail in the Courthouse? | Eastern NC Now

    Publisher's Note: This article originally appeared in the Beaufort Observer.

    One of the most frequent criticisms we hear about the decision by the Gang of Four (Langley-D, Booth-D, Belcher-D and Klemm-RINO) to build a new jail/law enforcement complex in the Chocowinity Industrial Park is that they did not, and have not, considered all of the alternatives. They were hit with this in a forceful presentation by Sheriff candidate Donald Dixon at their November 4, 2013 meeting. Dixon suggested that expanding the existing jail into the part of the Courthouse basement not now being used for the jail might be something that should at least be evaluated. Dixon previously told the Board that if elected he would make the existing jail work and that at least he should be given a chance to manage it better before millions of dollars are spent on a new facility. He got no response from the majority, but you can hear his compelling presentation on 11-4-13 below: