COEUR d'ALENE — An incident involving a pod of 50 inmates at the Kootenai County jail last week is another sign the planned jail expansion can't happen soon enough, Sheriff Ben Wolfinger said.

The majority of the inmates in the pod were involved in throwing items ranging from books to antiperspirant at deputies.

"Deputies backed out and, when we went back in with more staff, everyone complied," said Wolfinger, who spoke to about 40 people attending the Kootenai County Reagan Republicans meeting at The Fedora Pub and Grille in Coeur d'Alene on Thursday.

"They had tried to take on staff and came after them. Of course, this didn't happen at 2 p.m., but 11:30 at night."

While there were no injuries, the incident underscored the need to relieve the crowded jail and how situations can erupt when inmates are in tight quarters.

Wolfinger said several inmates will lose privileges or face other disciplinary action as surveillance is being reviewed.

Kootenai County commissioners last week agreed to a $12 million plan that expands the jail by 118 beds, including 28 medical beds, and a shell for future beds. Construction is expected to start next spring and it will take about 18 months to complete.

The project will be funded through the county's fund balance, which stands at around $37 million, and will not raise taxes or require a public vote.

The original jail expansion planned called for a 226-bed, $15.7 million project before commissioners scaled it back.

Wolfinger said unlike previous jail proposals that went to a vote, there hasn't been any public outcry this time. He believes that's due to not raising taxes, the money being available and the public understanding there is a need for more space.

The county has spent an average of $650,000 per year in recent years housing inmates in facilities outside the area.

Also, 80 percent of the inmates at the jail on Thursday were felons, whereas 72 percent of those incarcerated 20 years ago were for misdemeanors.

"The demographics have changed so much," Wolfinger said.

The current jail near the fairgrounds opened in 1987 with 98 beds. Through remodels it was expanded to 127 beds. The latest addition, which opened in 2002, increased capacity to 327.

"I would love to not have to build on to the jail, but the fact remains that if we want to grow and be a destination location, we'll continue to see people get in trouble," Wolfinger said.

Meeting attendee Jim Hightower called the jail expansion plan a "common-sense solution to an ongoing problem."

Wolfinger also spoke on Idaho's concealed carry law that went into effect July 1. He said he believes it should be shortened and simplified so it's easier to understand, but added he hasn't heard of any efforts to do so.

Wolfinger said the sheriff's office hasn't seen a dropoff of people coming in to apply for permits, but the law has only been in effect for three weeks. Wolfinger said he originally wasn't in favor of the law, but he is slowly feeling better about it based on conversations with other sheriffs.

"I still like the ability to screen felons, but I also have spoken to other sheriffs who have said there really hasn't been a lot of change so that's good to know," Wolfinger said. "But the law definitely needs cleaned up."

Hightower, a National Rife Association member and concealed weapon permit holder, said he still has some concerns about the new law.

“I’m concerned some people who have concealed weapons don't understand the law and the consequences of brandishing a gun.”

Hightower praised the efforts of local law enforcement, especially in light of the recent shootings in Dallas and Baton Rouge that killed police.

“No matter what our gun laws are, we are not immune from a terrorist attack on our citizens or our law enforcement officers, so we must all be vigilant,” Hightower said.