If the jail uses Newkirk utilities, it must be within the city limits, Robinson said. The site about one-fourth mile outside of town was chosen because no land was available in Newkirk.
A public hearing about the annexation will be at 5 p.m. today at the Newkirk City Hall, 107 W 7. The city council will meet after the hearing, and council members are expected to vote on annexation.
The current jail is overcrowded, Robinson said. About 130 inmates regularly fill a facility designed to hold 108.
The new jail will have about 300 beds, he said.
The project will cost about $17.5 million, but Robinson said he expects to come in under budget. However, that could change if a court battle drags on, he said.
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