Sheriff's Office awarded $10,216 wellness grant to convert former jail space into gym for deputies

The Columbia County Sheriff’s Office reported it has been awarded an officer wellness grant for $10,216 to convert part of the former jail into a secure fitness area for sworn staff.

The deputy presenting the request said, “On the May 15, I applied for an officer wellness grant through this agency, and we were approved for the $10,216,” and described site plans that would reuse the former jail dayroom and existing plumbing for showers. Staff said the work will include refurbishing a shower, installing padded flooring and wall protection and securing access for authorized county staff only.

Staff noted they had already coordinated with Human Resources and risk management on policies, liability waivers and secure access procedures, and that the grant requires reporting on usage. The deputy said cameras already cover the space and that access will be limited to sheriff’s personnel; HR and risk staff are preparing policies and liability waivers.

The board heard questions about shower privacy and single‑sex access, and staff said they will include security and use rules in written policy. The board took no separate funding vote beyond accepting the grant and implementing required policies and reporting to the grantor.