Last week’s bid opening for the Morgan County jail addition came in almost $1 million over the amount the Morgan County Commission had hoped to spend for the project.

Lee Builders bid of $9,980,817 came in as the low bidder. Baggette Construction bid $10,449,000 with a notation on the bid envelope that mentioned taking off $50,000, and Bell & Associates bid $10,499,000 for the construction project.

The commission is currently working with Lee Builders to see what costs could be cut without taking away essentials from the project.

The addition will increase the occupancy of the jail by 450 minimum security beds.

The current jail was built for $24 million and has a combination of maximum and minimum security beds totaling 450.

“Once the project is completed, the county will not have to worry about the jail for a long time,” said county commission chairman Ray Long.