5/3/19 – 5:11 A.M.

Hancock County took a small step toward a jail expansion project Thursday. The county commissioners ranked the three companies that gave them presentations about their services. Commissioners Mark Gazarek and Tim Bechtol ranked MJ Martin of Lincoln, Nebraska first. Commissioner Brian Robertson rated RQAW of Fishers, Indiana as his preferred company.

The commissioners will vote on a resolution to enter into negotiations with MJ Martin next week. Both Sheriff Mike Heldman and Jail Administrator Ryan Kidwell favored MJ Martin as well.

Ohio requires counties to conduct a jail study before moving forward with an expansion project. The study could take around four months to complete.

MORE: Prosecutor Phil Riegle talks about the need for jail expansion.