(KMZA)--The Marshall County Commission has voted to hold a countywide election next month on funding to build a new jail.

The Marysville Advocate reports the Commission approved a resolution last week setting a special election for April 25 on the issue.

Voters will decide whether the county should sign a lease-purchase agreement not to exceed $6.5 million to finance a portion of the new jail project. The total estimated cost is $12 million.

The decision to hold the election comes after a valid protest petition was filed in October, objecting to the county's lease-purchase plan.

Commissioners agreed to hold three public information meetings across the county before the election, with the first meeting set for 7 pm March 21 at Landoll Lanes, in Marysville. The other two meetings haven't been set yet.

Commissioners will join Sheriff Tim Ackerman, the jail's architect, construction manager and financial advisers at the meetings to explain the proposed jail project and answer residents questions.