Money approved for upgrades to Nash County detention center

Nash County is spending more money to make improvements at the county detention center.

In December, state regulators ordered Nash County to move more than 100 inmates out of the county jail until safety hazards in the facility are fixed.

On Thursday, commissioners signed off on a $500,000 request. Money will be used in update several drain covers at the facility, as well as plumbing and paint upgrades.

Sheriff Keith Stone has been pushing for money for upgrades following recent escapes.

A consultant provided a report to county officials this week, determining that the jail would need 403 beds by 2040, up from the current 296 beds.

Charlotte-based Moseley Architects said renovating the jail and eliminating older sections would cost $2.2 million. Expanding the jail in two phases would cost another $38.8 million, according to the report.

Building a new jail would cost about $50 million.

Stone said he prefers the new jail option but would support whatever action the Board of Commissioners chooses.

"I just need to get more containment cells as quick as possible," he said in a statement.

Commissioners Chairman Robbie Davis said the board would select one of the options within the next week and start the process of picking an architect

Below is video from Thursday's commissioners meeting with more details about the approved funding.