Gloucester is projected to have to house more than 200 inmates by 2030, roughly twice its current capacity, according to a study to determine the best direction the county should go as far as its jail facilities.

A focus group consisting of Gloucester Sheriff Darrell Warren, county staff and board of supervisors members has been meeting to decide the fate of Gloucester’s inmate housing.

Gloucester’s assistant county administrator Garrey Curry told the Gloucester County Board of Supervisors Tuesday night that the capacity to house inmates safely at the Gloucester Jail is 105. However, Gloucester is currently responsible for housing 130-140 inmates, and has a contract with the Middle Peninsula Regional Security Center in Saluda to house the extra numbers. That contract only lasts through fiscal year 2017.

“The current arrangement of purchasing contract bed space at MPRSC appears to be the best option for the near term,” Curry said. “However, there is cons...