Both Dearborn County commissioners and council members voted to increase the budget and size of a proposed Dearborn County jail expansion/renovation during meetings held Tuesday night, May 21, at the county administration building.

In November 2012, council members approved $10.4 million for a 144-bed addition to the jail along with renovations to the current facility in Lawrenceburg. Tuesday night commissioners recommended, while council members approved, to spend an additional $1,069,278. The additional included $356,798 to cover the amount the lowest base 144-bed bid went over the estimated budget and a well as the cost for adding another 64 beds, which was bid as an alternative.

The jail currently is overcrowded at 216 beds. With the additional 208 beds approved for funding by council, the proposed jail expansion will result in a total of 424 beds.

For more on the meeting and jail expansion/renovation plans check back here at www.thedcregister.com or pick up a copy of the Thursday, May 23, Dearborn County Register.