Barren County officials are considering the possibility of constructing a new county jail or remodeling the current 30-year-old structure.

Barren County Jailer Leland Cox said they met last week with an architect.

The free consultation, arranged by Keith Sharp, owner of JKS Architects & Engineers from Hopkinsville, was positive and preliminary in nature.

&#8220He knows that we’ve been looking at the possibility of getting a new jail for the last two years,” Cox said. &#8220He’ll be evaluating what the needs are.”

Cox said Sharp will tour the jail in a few days, although there is no time frame for a proposal.

The single-story jail was built in the 1970s and has averaged 160 inmates a day in Cox’s three-year tenure.

He said Sharp will analyze jail population statistics from the state, which recommended rectifying plumbing problems in past inspections, to determine if a more substantial regional jail is needed.

&#8220Everyone wants to build a self-sufficient jail,” Cox said, &#8220but to do that you’ve got to have about four or five prisoners from the state per every county inmate.”

Cox said building experts told him the plumbing and climate systems in the current facility cannot be improved.

Fresh air circulation is a must, he said.

Barren Judge-Executive Davie Greer said Sharp was given permission to bring back a proposal because 30 years is about the most a jail can be expected to last.

&#8220We’re going to have to do something,” Greer said. &#8220The plumbing, sewer, heating and air are not sufficient.”