VIGO COUNTY, Ind. – The question of just how big of a jail Vigo County needs might be a little clearer after a new study has been released.
For several years, the county has been struggling with overcrowding issues and lawsuits from inmates.
County commissioners hired RJS Services to conduct a study to see just what kind of a facility Vigo County needs.
On Tuesday, officials released a 96-page feasibility study to the public on the county’s website and it is also available at the bottom of this page.
The study says that it is not operationally or economically feasible to renovate the current jail.
The study also recommends a 527 bed facility to accommodate the county’s needs through 2050.
They project the cost to build that facility to be approximately $66 million.
To pay for that there will likely need to be an increase in the county income tax.
A public hearing for residents to voice their opinions will be held at the county annex on August 1st.
The council could possibly take action at their next meeting on August 14th. The council is also scheduled to discuss the 2019 budget at that meeting.
A location for a proposed new jail and not been decided.
To see the complete study just click the link below.