By DAVE HAMRICK
Staff Writer

Fayette County is getting a new survey of the proposed site of a planned new complex of public buildings, including a jail and judicial complex.

Surveyors will provide detailed topographical information using two-foot intervals to help architects decide where the buildings should go.

The new jail is the county's most urgent need, but decisions on the exact site of the jail have been put off while county officials prepare a master plan for the property.

Originally 33 acres between Lee Street and Jimmie Mayfield Boulevard, the site has been growing with recent purchases.

Plans are to connect the new site with the current jail and judicial complex, at Long and Lee streets, by buying properties in between, but officials aren't revealing any details of the purchases until all the negotiations are complete.

Commissioners last week voted to spend up to $20,000 on the survey, covering about 45 to 50 acres.

The new jail is expected to cost between $22 million and $33 million, depending upon whether commissioners decide to add onto the old jail or build a completely new one. Master planning for the property will include identifying sites for the jail, courthouse and a future administrative complex.

The administrative complex won't be needed for another ten years or so, but County Commission Chairman Harold Bost has repeatedly insisted on a master plan to include that facility so all the public buildings can be fitted on the property as the need arises.