Oklahoma County voters to decide on new jail funding
County officers say design flaws in the Oklahoma County Detention Center have resulted in persistent maintenance troubles, earning renovation an unrealistic proposition. County Commissioners have set a June 28 date for voters to consider a proposed $260 million common obligation bond to fund design of a new county jail. (File image)
Oklahoma County citizens, it is time to mark June 28 on your calendar.
Previous week, the a few-member Board of County Commissioners established an election date for a proposed $260 million basic obligation bond to fund construction of a new county jail.
Tax prices would keep on being regular if voters approve the evaluate and lower somewhat if it’s defeated.
The decision comes as deaths continue to accumulate inside of the troubled facility. Just 102 times into 2022, 6 persons detained inside the Oklahoma County Jail have died. In comparison, 8 individuals died inside of the jail in 2020.
County officers say the jail’s style flaws and persistent servicing troubles make renovation an unrealistic proposition. They argue a new jail, entire with selected psychological wellness and health care units, would assistance lower deaths and deliver the county in compliance with state and federal criteria.
Some are critical of the county plans to construct a 1,800-bed facility, stating that officials could construct a lesser jail and use the price savings to develop mental well being and drug procedure products and services. The latest jail experienced an regular everyday inhabitants of 1,675 in March.
The new jail would value roughly $300 million, limited of the $260 million the bond proposes. In prior conferences, county officers floated all-around the concept of American Rescue Approach cash to fork out for element of a new jail. The federal govt has given that stipulated that COVID-19 relief cash can not be applied to make detention amenities.
Various inquiries about the new jail, which includes its spot, opening day and rated occupancy, remain unanswered. FSB Architects, an Oklahoma City-centered agency employed to assess building and renovation options, has reported it would consider about two several years from groundbreaking to total design.
One particular detail of notice: June 28 is also the most important election day for neighborhood and statewide races, so hope turnout to be significant.
Oklahoma Watch, at oklahomawatch.org, is a nonprofit, nonpartisan news business that covers community-coverage difficulties facing the point out.
