Site survey approved for old jail razing

The Cole County Commission is continuing with plans to tear down the old county's sheriff's house and jail and then rebuild a new jail.

At Wednesday's meeting, commissioners approved a site survey to be done by Central Missouri Professional Services.

The plan would create additional office space as well as a 2,200-square-foot courtroom with a 100-seat gallery and added space for juries and lawyers, something judges and commissioners have said is needed.

The initial plans presented by representatives of Architects Alliance put the cost at just over $2 million.

Commissioners said if the cost for the new building goes above their threshold of $2.5 million, the project may not be feasible.

The money for the project would come from county reserves.

The new building plan would have an entrance off Monroe Street, office space on the first floor with the courtroom and judges' offices on the next floor.

Presiding Commissioner Marc Ellinger said he expects more discussion on the project at a commission meeting next week.