Wharton County leaders are getting closer to deciding the future of their jail. On January 26, architects from the Dallas firm Brinkley Sargent Wiginton will present options to county commissioners — whether to expand the 1996 facility or build a new one. The current jail holds 168 inmates, and state officials say that number needs to grow within the next decade. A new 220-bed jail could cost up to $50 million, while adding on would run about $30 million. Judge Phillip Spenrath says bond consultants will share how either choice could affect local taxes.