PROVO — Utah County commissioners have given the go-ahead to issue $7.6 million in sales tax revenue bonds to cover additional costs of the Utah County Jail expansion project.

Those funds will join the $16 million earmarked for the jail expansion in a 2005 bond, increasing total funding for the project to $23.6 million.

County officials had expected the $16 million to cover — or at least be in the ballpark of — the price tag for adding two new pods at the Spanish Fork complex, but construction costs didn't cooperate.

The price of steel and concrete have skyrocketed in the past year, resulting in bids coming back higher than anticipated, said Larry Ellertson, commission chairman.

In May, commissioners approved an $18.8 million construction contract with Midvale-based Comtrol Inc. on the project, which will add 400 beds to the jail, as well as increase administrative space and medical, laundry and kitchen facilities.

The additional $7.6 million also will take into account change orders and contingencies.

"As long as construction costs stay in line with what we think they will be, this should be enough to complete it," Ellertson said.

The county is committing sales tax revenue to pay off the bonds, meaning property taxes will not be affected.

"We're funding the cost of growth with growth," Ellertson said.

The jail expansion project is expected to be complete in November 2007.

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