The Etowah County Commission authorized its chief administrative officer to negotiate purchasing five lots on First Street from The Love Center, where it will build housing for minimum-security inmates during the upcoming jail renovation.

Commission President Tim Choate said low-risk inmates can be moved into the new secure facility that will be built, then other inmates can be moved into the space opened up in the jail while renovation work is done in phases.

Etowah County Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy of Detention Scott Hassell said buying the Love Center property is a win-win. It will give the center money and it will facilitate the jail renovation.

In other action, the commission approved borrowing up to $400,000 from Keystone Bank to buy vehicles for the sheriff’s office, to be part of a rotating fleet; vehicles will be sold while they retain value to help pay for the purchase of new vehicles.

ECSO Chief Deputy Michael Barton said Sheriff Todd Entrekin was playing Santa Tuesday, helping with delivery of toys to families in need in the community. The items were purchased through the Etowah Sheriff’s Charities, a nonprofit.

Barton said the sheriff’s office appreciates the commission's help with the charitable effort.