Bids for a new Knox County Emergency Operations Center have come in higher than expected.

Late last year, the estimated cost for the new facility — which would house emergency management, the coroner’s office, and Knox County Central Dispatch, — was $2.3 million.

The facility is planned for the site of the former poor farm.

Knox County Commissioners President T.J. Brink told First City News today that three bids were opened at a special meeting this morning, with amounts ranging from more than $3.6 million to well over $4.8 million.

Brink said the commissioners plan to meet in executive session soon to discuss options.

He expects a plan of action to be decided within two weeks.