Warren County moves forward with $57 million jail construction

Warren County commissioners signed off this morning on as much in $57.3 million in costs for construction of the new county jail and sheriff’s office.

Commissioners Dave Young and Shannon Jones emphasized there would be no more money devoted to the project beyond the amounts detailed in a budget presented at Tuesday’s meeting.

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Commissioner Tom Grossmann was absent as architect Wachtel & McAnally and subcontractors also working with a county committee on the design in the county complex in Lebanon presented their latest designs.

“Thank you,” Sheriff Larry Sims, who operates the jail, said. “I’m confident you will continue to be pleased.”

Who’s in the Warren County Jail 

The county plans to pay for the project with a 0.25 percent increase in sales tax for five years — expected to raise at least $50 million — and with funds set aside for the project. The county estimated $30 million in savings by financing the project over the five years, compared to traditional, long-term financing.

On Tuesday, Administrator Tiffany Zindel said nearly $5 million is already set aside to pay for the jail and to shift a road through the complex to make room for the 143,000 square foot facility.

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