MADISONVILLE-While Monroe County is slowly moving toward a new jail whether it wants to or not, a major player has resigned from the Justice Center Committee.

The committee was formed by Monroe County Mayor Tim Yates after the state declared either the county could build a new jail or the state would step in, enact a tax increase and build the jail. The committee is mainly made of of the County Commission and various county leaders.

Monroe County Sheriff Bill Bivens recently released a statement saying he is stepping down from the committee:

"It is a known fact that the Monroe County Jail is overpopulated. Our facility is older and we face challenges with it daily, yet we make it work effectively. With that said, it is ultimately the decision of the County Commission to proceed forward with a new facility and not a decision of my own.

I have informed the county mayor of my decision to resign as a voting member of the Justice Center Committee; however, I will remain available at all times to answer any questions or to give guidance if needed on the topic of jail requirements. I steadfastly remain neutral on the topic except to say this, is there a need? Yes! However, regardless of any decision by the County Commission, I will continue to ensure that the inmates are housed properly with three meals a day in a clean and orderly jail and with proper medical care for as long as necessary."

The sheriff said even with these guidelines in place, a failure to move forward by the County Commission to appease the state will most likely result in decertification of the jail due to age and overcrowding.

"We hold high standards. Our facility is top rated due to the hard work and attention to detail our staff maintains. On a recent inspection by TCI the inspector advised the Monroe County Jail was in the best shape he had ever seen it, and that he had inspected it some years ago and it was better now than before," the Sheriff added.

The Justice Committee has picked a piece of land on New Highway 68 South in Madisonville for the jail, but Yates recommended delay in voting, as various county leaders attend seminars on building a new jail.