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On April 10, the board voted 6-1 to authorize the administrator to negotiate a contract with an architect for a 200-bed jail addition with construction costs not to exceed $16.6 million. The sheriff and administrator were scheduled for a conference call with the architectural firm last Friday.

Commissioner William Walters voted against the 200-bed addition.

"In my opinion it is not in the best interest of the county to build that size jail," said Walters, who has continually favored a smaller building.

Another commissioner also put his reservations on record.

Commissioner Gary Russell, who voted yes, said, "one more time I'm going to say I'm for 254 (beds). I apologize to the people on the jail committee who recommended the same (size)".

Two years ago the 15-member jail committee voted 10-2 (three were absent) to recommend the county build a 254-bed jail and finance it with private bonds. They met for a year with the goal of deciding if a new jail was necessary, and whether to build a new one or renovate the existing facility.

"I will bring a recommendation to you (regarding a contract), and if we don't any anywhere I will recommend we go with a different architect," said Administrator John Males. He told the board he has seen architect fees range from 5% to 8% of construction costs.

Males said it is also common to have a good construction attorney review the architect's contract.

"I've seen their contract and there are some things I do not agree with," he added.

Financing is the next step.

Commissioner Norton Schramm, who is State Representative John Espinoza's aide, said there are no state grants available to help pay for the construction.

Males reported he has a call in to Rural Development to see if there are any grants available through the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

"If there is any grant money available that is where it would be. Michigan hasn't had any grants since 2002," added Sheriff Virgil Strickler. He also noted there might be some federal grant money for the 9-1-1 center if it is located in the new building.

Commissioner Judy Vincent put in a plug for jump starting the financing planning.

"We need to know how we are going to finance it. If we don't have that taken care of we will get in an argument and fall backwardÉI don't think a majority of this board would sign a contract if we do not know how to finance it," Vincent emphasized.

"Judy has a good point," added Vice-chairman Donald Hunt.

"Isn't paying an architect dependent on the financing," asked Schramm.

"At that point I will get a couple bond counsel here. There is a lot of work to be done before we say Ôhere are your options folks, now you've got to decide,'" stated Males.