Whether we agree with the location or not, just about everyone in Warren County can agree that a new county jail must be constructed – and sooner, rather than later.

This week, the Warren County Board of Supervisors moved a step closer in the process, voting unanimously to purchase land on U.S. Highway 80 at the former Pinewoods Hotel location.

The 47-acre site, which has not been a popular choice with some residents in the area, was targeted as a potential jail location once it became clear the first choice location at the Ceres Industrial Complex was not favorable to local and state economic development and city officials. The piece of land will cost the county $400,000.

We understand and sympathize with those residents who believe this location will adversely affect them.

No one wants to be a neighbor with a jail facility, but the reality is that our community cannot continue to afford the cost of transporting prisoners to other facilities.