FARMINGTON — Whether it’s slower overall population growth, a lower crime rate, or other factors, jail expansion isn’t slated to be a major discussion topic for at least six more years.

“We’re still projecting 2018 to 2020 before we have to actively discuss this,” Sheriff Todd Richardson told the Davis Chamber of Commerce recently.

“A bad economy usually spikes attendance” in jails as unemployment rises and crime tends to increase, the sheriff said, but that “push off” of six-eight years from now is still holding steady, he said.

“We were in that extremely high (overall) population growth from 2005 to 2007, and since then it’s dropped off a lot,” County Commissioner John Petroff said. He is the commission liaison with the Sheriff’s Office. The Sheriff and Petroff agreed there could be other factors involved, as well.

Educational offerings have been increased, along with “job/service” options for inmates.

For more information check out May 24 addition of Davis Clipper.