Rutherford County’s record growth is putting a strain on more than just roads and schools. The county jail is overcrowded, according to Sheriff Mike Fitzhugh, who raised the concern at a recent Public Safety Committee meeting.

Now, one county commissioner says it is time to start planning for a bigger facility.

Commissioner Allen McAdoo said the county is trying to manage growth without raising property taxes.

“What we’re trying to do is take care of this growth without increasing our property taxes,” McAdoo said. “So far we have been able to do some projects and haven’t increased those property taxes.”

The jail, originally built to hold 500 inmates, was outfitted with double bunks in 1998 to make space for more prisoners. Even with those changes, overcrowding remains a major issue.

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