Sheriff’s dept. to construct training facility

The Madison County Sheriff’s Department plans to construct a weightlifting and cardio exercise facility for deputies at the sheriff’s complex.

“We want the deputies in shape,” said sheriff Kip Thomas. “It will help with health costs, insurance — there’s a lot of good factors that go into it.”

The sheriff said there will be free weights, probably two treadmills and perhaps elliptical machines.

Thomas said the concrete, as well as block and brick, have been donated for the facility. He said several local companies are donating money and materials for the project, but he didn’t want to name them yet.

“The building itself won’t cost us anything, maybe $500 for some wood,” said Thomas. “Really, all it’s going to cost us is the equipment.”

The sheriff said the facility will be a 32’ by 26’ stick-built structure at the corner of the firing range and current training classroom trailer.

“We’ve actually started a little bit with the footings,” said Thomas.

Commissioner Stanley Thomas asked Sheriff Thomas during a July 18 budget meeting if he is constructing a training facility at the department off Hwy. 98.

Comments

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#1 Anonymous on 08/01/11 at 01:27 AM [Reply]

Wow. And this guy is SHERIFF? And is approving and overseeing construction projects on county land IN SECRET?!?

This guy just came crying for 4 new cars, but failed to mention he had money to spend on a PRIVATE HEALTH CLUB?!?

This wasn't discussed or approved? Wait, he kept it secret from the commissioners? This isn't just improper and incredibly stupid...Isn't this ILLEGAL?

Who will be paying the insurance, power bill, cleaning bill, maintenance bills for the sheriff's new private health club for the next 20-40 years?

#1.1 mc citizen on 08/04/11 at 11:37 PM [Reply]

“The building itself won’t cost us anything, maybe $500 for some wood,” said Thomas. “Really, all it’s going to cost us is the equipment.”

I'm calling Kip on a bull hockey check!! I find it hard to believe that Kip "didn't think" he had to discuss his building plans w/ the BOC! That was the first mistake...he should have thought! With all of the budget cuts in the county how does he figure he's exempt? Stanley Thomas, though not from my district, is absolutely right! MC taxpayers will flip the bill for maintenance, utilities, insurance, etc. Where's the $500 coming from? Exercise equipment can be cost 1000's. Who's paying for that? Has this "project" been put into Kip's 2012 budget request. Will it be open 24/7? Who will prevent road deputies on nights from deciding to "workout" while on the clock? (When that cats away, the mice will play)If someone injures themselves will it be considered workmans comp? Since it's on county property will ALL county employees be able to use it? Too many unanswered questions! BOC, STOP THE PROJECT and make Kip go through the proper protocol!! DONT REWARD ABUSE OF POWER BY LETTING THIS GO!! IGNORE IT & BOC ARE JUST AS GUILTY.

#2 Anonymous on 08/01/11 at 06:19 AM [Reply]

"Thomas said the concrete, as well as block and brick, have been donated for the facility. He said several local companies are donating money and materials for the project, but he didn’t want to name them yet."

He doesn't want to name them? Aren't these donors required to be named, along with the value of the contributions? Doesn't all of this have to be approved by the commissioners? Whose donating the roofing, the drywall, the roofing, the labor and the cost of utilities, etc.? Are there laws being broken here? How many?

#3 James Brown on 08/02/11 at 12:27 AM [Reply]

Hey Kip maybe thomas got mad cause you didnt invite him to WORK OUT....lol

#4 James brown on 08/02/11 at 12:33 AM [Reply]

I mean come on cty comm yall cant even get a DIRT ROAD paved and you worried about a little building that MR KIP is try to get built so OUR DEP can get can stay in better shape to maybe chase a person breaking the law? hopefully nobody ever breaks the law at YOUR HOME cause then they might not be able catchem!!!!!!

#4.1 OHNO on 08/02/11 at 09:47 AM [Reply]

Mister, which I reluctantly refer to you by, "Mr Kip" is suppose to work together with the county. If they can't catch them, they shouldn't be there in the first place. I always have to perform the duties I am hired for, last time I looked, that's in the job description.

#5 Anonymous on 08/03/11 at 12:09 AM [Reply]

Uh, isn't the rec park right across from the Sheriff's Dept.? Any reason they can't "work out" at the place ALREADY BUILT AND PAID FOR?

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Sheriff’s dept. to construct training facility

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Sheriff’s dept. to construct training facility

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