(KMZA)---Plans for the construction of a new 34-bed Nemaha County Jail are moving forward.

Sheriff Rich Vernon, Jeff Lane with Topeka-based Treanor Architects, and Nemaha County Commissioners discussed the proposed project during a press conference Monday.

Proposed is an about 16,000-square-foot jail addition to the existing county Law Enforcement Center in Seneca.

Vernon says the county has outgrown their current facility, originally built to hold 12 prisoners in 1978.   

He says the current linear-style jail creates safety concerns for both staff and inmates.  Vernon says currently a correction officer has to go  inside the jail to do a head-count once an hour, and the design of the jail causes problems with trying to separate inmates. In addition, he says the building itself has a number of problems.  Vernon says the county is spending a lot of money on plumbing issues every month.

Vernon says he first approached the commission five to six years ago about the need for a new jail, and since that time the county has been sitting money aside each year for the project so it can be funded without a sales or property tax increase.  A $3.5 million budget has been set for the proposed project. 

Treanor Architects was brought on board last year to draw up preliminary plans and the county is currently seeking proposals for a construction manager at-risk for the project.   

Commissioners say the final okay for the jail project will not be given until the construction manager gives the county a detailed proposal and project cost estimate.