ASHLAND — Replacing locks at the Ashland County jail or the sheriff’s office is a costly endeavor, according to county commissioners.
That’s why commissioners on Thursday approved a $34,812.25 contract with Integrated Precision Systems for a key control system at the jail.
In the past, some Ashland County jail keys managed to “escape” with the help of officers who accidentally took them home, sometimes remaining there even after a deputy left the department, Commissioner Denny Bittle said.
“It’s not like your home lock. They’re specialized locks, so it gets very expensive,” Bittle said.
With the new system, jail keys will be outfitted with an unremovable tracking fob that can open certain doors and transmit its location to prevent wandering keys.
“Going forward, that’ll make it way, way more secure,” Bittle said.
The commissioners also approved three bids for interior renovation items for the county’s new health department building on Claremont Avenue.
They approved $34,683 for casework and cabinetry from Rivereast Custom Cabinets Inc.; $17,064 for roofing from Hicks Roofing; and $47,486 for an aluminum storefront, glass, and glazing from Wooster Glass.
Simonson Construction, who were chosen last week to complete the $1.7 million in renovations, will start demolition work on the interior of the building as early as Thursday or Friday.
Originally, crews were set to start work on the building at the beginning of next year, but this week’s frigid temperatures moved construction crews indoors for projects like the health department, Bittle said.
“We’re super happy to see them in there early. So, the weather has helped us out,” he said.
Commissioners also announced that the Ashland County Health Department will be closed Friday due to weather and other closures will be up to elected officials at each county department.
