SCOTT COUNTY JAIL CLOSER TO BEING BUILT

BENTON, Mo. -- The Scott County commissioners and sheriff approved revised design plans with Robert Stearnes, jail architect, moving the new county jail one step closer to a groundbreaking.

Looking over the schematics during Tuesday's meeting, commissioners approved the plan with two exceptions: the back-up generators will be placed outside instead of in the basement, and there will be no access door leading outside from the recreation yard, which will be entirely enclosed with four walls and chain link and mesh over the top.

With the design schematics approved, Stearnes can now begin developing the construction documents, which will be sent out for bids once approved by the commission.

Commissioners also discussed the need to form a corporation with five board members to handle the jail financing on behalf of the county, and discussed possible board members.

The bond issuance will happen "somewhere in October," according to Martin Priggel, presiding commissioner.

He explained the commission intends to issue them before the November election to avoid the possibility of higher interest rates.