PINEVILLE - After talking with Bell County Judge-Executive Bill Kelley on Monday, Chuck Bishop, representing an ad-hoc organization of Log Mountain residents, told the fiscal court that he and his neighbors didn't want a new jail built near their homes.

Although he spoke only briefly during the meeting, Bishop and Virginia Short, another Log Mountain resident related their concerns following adjournment.

Aside from obvious safety concerns for their homes, Short said the jail would be in close proximity of three schools if it were built on Log Mountain. Bishop said a jail would devastate property values in the area.

Kelley said he has met several times with Log Mountain residents about the jail.

"As we told them, we represent 30,060 people in Bell County and we have to look out for all areas," said Kelley.

Kelley said no decision as to the jail's location had been made and no decision would be made until an architect firm was hired to conduct site-cost studies.

Kelley said the thoughts of a jail opening near them draws the ire of most local populations whenever its location is discussed.

"All areas have some negative comment. Whether they be personal or financial and how it will effect the county," he said.

In other business the fiscal court:

- accepted magistrate road plans.

- paid bills by authorizing transfers.

- accepted the treasurers financial statement for March.

- accepted the Bell County Sheriff's Department claim sheet of $26.930.99 in fees.

- approved payment of $2,300 to the Bell County Health Department for insect spray.

Kelley said the warm, wet winter could lead to an abundance of mosquitos and other insects. The funds would allow the health department to spray four times instead of the traditional two.

-approved the second reading of the budget amendment.

- recorded notice of decision of the local debt office.

- authorized a raise for a deputy.

- authorized the hiring of a full-time school resource officer.

- tabled two sets of bids. One was for a new dump truck and the other was for ambulance refurbishment. Kelley said the court would have to inspect the items and select the bid that most matches their needs.

-approved payment of $39,300 to Vaughn and Melton consulting engineers for work on Don Green Road, Brownies Creek and Meldrum water projects.

- accepted checks in the amount of $76,934 from the Bell County Sheriff's Department.

- accepted other checks and approved financial statements.