Seymour firm will replace lighting at sheriff’s department with LED

The Jackson County Jail is at 150 E. State Road 250, Brownstown. The Jackson County Sheriff’s Department operates inside the jail.

Tribune file photo

BROWNSTOWN — The Jackson County Commissioners recently approved a plan designed to save the county nearly $10,000 a year in utility costs by replacing 237 lights at the sheriff’s department with more energy-efficient LED lights.

Sheriff Rick Meyer said the project, which has a price tag of $23,796.75, does not yet have a start date but is expected to pay for itself in approximately two years.

“I wouldn’t think it would be too long,” Meyer said of when B&H Electric and Supply would begin the project at the sheriff’s department at 150 E. State Road 250 just east of Brownstown.

The work involves the replacement of interior lights in the administration area and inmate book-in areas, the kitchen and hallways. The exterior lights of the jail were converted to LED several years ago.

Meyer told commissioners during their meeting Tuesday morning at the courthouse that the savings in energy from the project is anticipated to be about $27 a day, or nearly $10,000, and the lighting has a five-year warranty.

After the commissioners meeting, Meyer said B&H, which has offices in Seymour, Bloomington and Shelbyville, was having a sale on LED, leading in part to the decision to go ahead with the work.