KIRKSVILLE, MO. -- The Adair County Sheriff's Office will see an infusion of cash to their 2009 budget.

Tuesday morning the Adair County Commission voted unanimously to increase the prisoner medical section of the law enforcement general budget $12,000.

According to Sheriff Robert Hardwick the funds will go to add a much needed nurse for the jail.

“She’s there to asses the needs of the inmates.  We have a doctor and two nurses.  The doctor comes in once a month and the other nurse through health professional comes in.  So she (the new nurse) feels the area when they're not there to address the needs of the inmates.  By statute I’m required to address those needs," said Hardwick.

The additional nurse will only work 10-hours per week. Presiding County Commissioner Gary Jones said the commission couldn't find feasible cuts in other places at this time and felt this was a necessary addition because prisoner count is consistently rising.

“We had one nurse, we just needed additional,” Jones said.

When asked why there is need Jones said, “Well, the prisoners. To take care of the prisoners’ medical needs."