Supervisors Approve Extension On Jail Property

Sonora, CA — With a 4-1 vote the Tuolumne County Board of Supervisors voted to extend a contract to purchase 48 acres of land off Old Wards Ferry Rd. for a Law and Justice Center.

The County entered into a contract with the Gardella and Martin families in 2007 to purchase the land for $4.2 million with a contingency that the Environmental Impact Report be completed on the land. The contract was set to expire late this month, but the EIR will not be ready until March.

Many spoke in favor of the extension today, include Sheriff Jim Mele, District Attorney Donald Segerstrom, Probation Officer Shirlee Juhl and CAO Craig Pedro. Supervisor Teri Murrison cast the lone dissenting vote.

The sales contract will now expire on January 29, 2010 if the EIR is not approved by the County.

Written by BJ Hansen