SAVANNAH, Mo. - Andrew County found a possible financial solution Monday for a new jail, even though there are still questions.

"If we can't do it in 60 days, then we don't need to do it," said Dick Townsend, a former county commissioner and local farmer.

A big hurdle may have been overcome thanks to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Rural Development Program.

The USDA could loan the county all $5.5 million at a current rate of 4.25 percent for as long as 40 years if the paperwork checks out, said Neal Miller, area director. The funds would come from stimulus money, he said.

Before anything can happen, Larry Goldberg needs to complete and file a feasibility study with the county, said Larry Atkins, Andrew County presiding commissioner.

Mr. Goldberg is the architect who developed the jail plan based on his company's experience, the county's desire that there be no additional taxes, federal minimum standards and Sheriff Bryan Atkins' safety requirements for employees and prisoners.

That feasibility study would have to be reviewed by Helen Taylor, an independent CPA hired to review the project's figures for the county and the ad hoc jail committee. Then it would be forwarded to USDA to ensure the plans meet standards for a loan.

The committee was told that the county received three land proposals. While no official action has been taken, a review suggests that the commissioners are considering land south of Main Street and north and east of the fire station on U.S. Business Highway 71. It's also land that the city has expressed interest in acquiring.

If the county obtains an agreement to purchase any property, the USDA will do an environmental study.

The county commissioners and the sheriff left the jail committee meeting so that the seven members could talk in private.

Mr. Townsend said that when he was first appointed to the jail committee he was 95 percent against a new jail. Now, the cost and financing are no problem, Mr. Townsend said. The former commissioner said he knows one federal lawsuit could cost the county enough money to build four jails.

"But I do have a problem," he said. "My problem is the future operating cost."

The county and the ad hoc committee plan to continue meeting and studying all the issues.

Marshall White can be reached at marshall@npgco.com.