Edgar County leaders are hosting a public hearing this week to discuss a proposed safety tax.
Next month, county voters will decide whether to add a one percent sales tax to fund public safety.
Edgar County Clerk August Griffin said if the new safety tax is passed, it would help fund operations of the Edgar County Sheriff's Department.
Griffin said it's not solely based on building a new jail, but board members can explore that option later.
He also said the funds could help hire more deputies and have better equipment.
A special meeting will take place in Paris inside the community room of Prospect Bank this Thursday, starting at 5 p.m.