Barnes continues to favor prison farm expansion.

Byline: David Nivens

Jun. 1--GUILFORD COUNTY -- Sheriff BJ Barnes wants to expand the County Prison Farm for the safety of his jailers and inmates.

Barnes first proposed a 200-bed facility for women at the farm near Gibsonsville months ago. Commissioners have approved $1.4 million in bond funding for water and sewer lines at the compound. It could cost as much as $12 million for the expansion, Barnes said Thursday.

"This is our estimate," Barnes said. "We have not paid a fee to get an estimate. It could be less or more."

The new plan is