(KLZA)-- Richardson County Commissioners approved a proposal Tuesday from Prochaska &  Associates for the scope 1 Needs Assessment Phase Update to include feasibility preliminary design for the addition to the jail area at the Richardson County Law Enforcement Center. 

The cost for the work will be $15-thousand.

Sheriff Rick Hardesty has proposed adding up to 40 additional beds to the current total of 24 to house not only local inmates,  but to also house inmates from neighboring counties as well as state and federal prisoners. A final number of new beds has not been settled upon.

Commissioners also approved the hiring of an additional deputy to serve as a transport officer with the stipulation that if it proves at any time at a later date to be unnecessary,  it will be deleted.