Innovative and progressive are rarely words that describe county government, but Adams County may be breaking the mold.

The Adams County Board of Supervisors and their attorney are in early discussions to possibly do something unheard of — close the county jail.

But don’t worry; although it may seem like a crazy notion, the county would still have a place to house its incarcerated inmates.

Adams County is discussing how the Adams County Correctional Center, a private prison operated by CCA, might contract to house county inmates.

While it’s still in the early stages, the plan may be a good option considering the age of the current county jail. Supervisors suggest a considerable amount of time and money are being spent on both management and upkeep of the jail.

Both of those issues may be fixed by contracting out the service.

It’s certainly an interesting idea and one that worth more detailed study.

County leaders must look not only at the dollars and cents aspect of such a contract, but also whether or not the prison facility is a better location than the current downtown facility, which has limited parking but is extremely convenient to the county courthouse.

We appreciate that county supervisors seem to be unafraid to throw out some seemingly wild ideas that may benefit the public.

That open and public-focused mind set is refreshing in local government.