Since the Corrections Corporation of America announced earlier this week it will be terminating its contract to operate the Bay County Jail later this year, county commissioners have been searching for a new operator. It now appears they're looking toward the Bay County Sheriff's Office to fill the void.

Friday afternoon, commissioners continued a discussion they began Tuesday morning. And, most of the discussion leaned toward a sheriff's office take-over.

Commissioners had three options to choose from. They could go with another private company, like the CCA, hand the jail over to the sheriff's office, or the commissioners could take it over themselves. But from the very beginning of Friday’s meeting, the hands-down favorite seemed to be the sheriff's office.

Sheriff Frank McKeithen spoke to the board saying he's willing to step-up to the plate with the jail, but some things will be different under his leadership. McKeithen acknowledged that CCA correctional officers are currently earning significantly less money than officers working for the state.

The commission made a motion to have Sheriff McKeithen come up with a budget for running the jail. They’re also having the county's correctional manager work with McKeithen on that budget.

"I frankly think if it's going to belong in anybody's hands, it ought to be in the Sheriff's hands," said Bay County Commissioner Mike Nelson.

"I think it's more of a joint venture than the Sheriff's Office running the jail or the county running the jail. I can't do it without your support and I would support you if you did it. And again, I'm not down here looking for a job, but I'm certainly willing to step up to the plate and do what's necessary for this county," said Sheriff McKeithen.

A number of current CCA employees also attended Friday’s meeting to find out which direction the county might go. Commissioners assured them they will do their best to make the transition smooth for those employees. And, they say as soon as they make a concrete decision, they'll schedule a meeting with all the CCA staff.