HOWELL, MI - Ask Livingston County Sheriff Bob Bezotte about the county jail's chronic overcrowding problems and his answer usually contains two key words: new jail.

Bezotte has declared four overcrowding emergencies in about a year, prompting some early releases of inmates. The jail's population spiked to 290, a record high in the 254-bed facility, during the last overcrowding emergency.

That revived discussions about expanding the jail, which might require a millage or bond proposal, and finding programs and efficiencies to keep the population in check.

Many county officials would rather see that expansion come later rather than sooner. County Commissioner Dave Domas, chairman of the Public Safety and Judicial subcommittee, said the county will build a jail when it needs it. Read more .

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