Sheriff John Wheeler told the Cole County Commission on June 2 that rising inmate populations and operational demands warrant a jail expansion and recommended placing a ballot measure before voters for an additional one-half cent sales tax to fund the project.

An agency official representing the Cole County Sheriff's Department told the county commission on June 2 that jail capacity and operating‑cost pressures require a ballot measure to expand beds and stabilize operations. Commissioners asked staff for clearer cost estimates and discussed April vs. November ballot timing.

Officials explore jail capacity issues and funding needs for facility expansion plans.