County jail to undergo renovation study

A Missouri-based company was chosen to conduct feasibility-study services regarding potential improvements and renovations to the county jail.
Commissioners Dec. 15 selected Goldberg Group Architects of St. Joseph, Mo., at a cost of $5,000, plus potential reimbursable expenses.
County administrator Pat Yoder said the study is being done as a proactive measure, based in large part on conversations he has had with Sheriff Brad Balk.
According to the agreement, the study is expected to be completed no later than Feb. 20.
It states that the study will center on the potential renovation or relocation of the jail kitchen; possibly adding modular steel cells in a portion of the outdoor exercise yard to increase jail-bed count; evaluating current medical facilities for probable improvement; and discussions regarding the animal shelter and the sheriff’s department shooting range.