Wharton County leaders are weighing a $74 million plan to replace the county jail on the same site where it’s stood since 1996. A state mandate requires more jail beds by next year, leaving little choice but to build new. The proposed 240-bed facility would modernize security, expand space, and update outdated systems. Expanding the old jail is off the table—it would cost millions in housing inmates elsewhere. Commissioners will hold a public hearing March 9 before voting on whether to move forward.