Grissom hired to oversee jail construction

By JAMES CLARK / Editor for the Southern Standard

GRISSOM

Searching for a person to serve as the eyes and ears of the County Commission during jail construction, Dyer Grissom was unanimously approved as the on-site representative by commissioners last week.

Grissom joins local contractor and volunteer Kenneth Bratcher as experienced advisors who will inform commissioners about jail progress. Once construction begins, it will be Grissom’s job to be on site every day to ensure work is done to the proper specifications. He is officially a county employee who will be paid $700 a week.

“I think he’s a fine gentleman and he’ll do you a good job,” Bratcher told the County Commission after Grissom was unanimously approved.

Both men have well over 30 years experience in the construction business. Grissom is best known for his work with J.D. Mullican where he was employed for 28 years. One of his most prominent local projects was serving as project manager for Three Star Mall when it was built in the early 1980s.

“I’ll oversee the contractor and subcontractors to make sure they follow plans and specifications,” said Grissom. “The architect won’t spend but about one day a month on the job, so I’ll be there everyday to see it’s per his plans and specifications. I’ll kind of keep the contractors on track.”

Grissom was also in charge of construction at Giles County High School in Pulaski.

“Mr. Grissom and Mr. Bratcher both have a lot of valuable experience we don’t have,” said Jail Oversight Committee Chairman Bobby Cox. “I’m sure their experience will pay off for the taxpayers in the long run.”

Commissioners have long said they are not contractors and would like to have people with first-hand experience helping them make decisions.