Commission to explore options for expanding jail

A Montana Association of Counties representative will be in Libby Wednesday to tour the Lincoln County Jail and discuss options for expanding its capacity.

Jim Muskovich is scheduled to tour the jail from 10:30 a.m. to noon Wednesday and then meet with the Lincoln County Commission from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.

At the July 19 Commission meeting, Coldwell suggested the possibility of expanding jail space by shifting sheriff’s administrative offices upstairs in the County Courthouse and moving some county employees to another location, perhaps at Asa Wood School or Flathead Valley Community College.

Bowe said it would be “a pain (to move) but we could do it.”

“I think it’s a great idea,” he said. “It saves money for taxpayers (and) makes the most sense” rather than looking for a new location.

The county might also explore applying for a community development block grant “to study the options the county has for improving the jail facility,” County Administrator Darren Coldwell said via email. The grant would top out at $25,000 and require a $15,000 match from the county.