Kootenai County plans to expand jail by 126 beds

After more than a decade of searching for a solution to jail crowding, Kootenai County leaders plan to use reserve funds to add 126 beds to the existing jail next to the sheriff’s office.

The addition would open by May or June in 2018. Designs include space for another 108 jail beds to be added when needed.

The $12 million project will be covered by the county’s fund balance, which stands at $37 million. Officials say they won’t need to raise taxes or seek voter approval.

The jail now has room for 327 inmates. The expansion will include 28 medical beds.

The jail frequently has been over capacity, but the county has not been able to persuade voters to approve a tax increase to pay for a new or larger jail.