OK County Needs Millions to Complete New County Jail

Seeking solutions: Oklahoma County faces jail overcrowding and budget woes

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Why $260 million is not enough

Oklahoma County officials are grappling with a major roadblock in their efforts to construct a new jail, as funding shortfalls and overcrowding continue to strain the existing facility.

Nearly three years ago, county voters approved a $260 million bond to build a new jail, but skyrocketing construction costs have made that amount insufficient. As officials scramble to bridge a funding gap of at least $350 million, the county is also facing a legal dispute with the city of Oklahoma City over the proposed site for the jail.

With the current jail housing more than twice the number of inmates it was designed for, the situation has reached a critical point.

How many inmates are being housed here?

The Oklahoma County jail currently holds approximately 1,600 inmates, significantly over its intended capacity.

This overcrowding has become a serious issue, placing strain on both the jail’s infrastructure and its ability to provide adequate services. County commissioners have stated that with the current funding, the new facility would only be able to house around 700 inmates—less than half of the current population.

$$Millions more needed

Officials acknowledge that building a jail with the necessary capacity will cost an estimated $610 million, far exceeding the original $260 million bond approved by voters.

Brian Maughan, Oklahoma County Commissioner for District Two, pointed out that inflation has played a major role in the budget shortfall. “It’s no surprise that grocery bills are double what they were two years ago,” Maughan said, “Well, the same is true for construction.”

Steve Mason, Chairman of the Committee, expressed concerns that if there are already 1,600 inmates in the current jail, a 1,800-bed facility may not offer much of a buffer for future growth.

What happens when a jail is overcrowded

Overcrowding leads to higher rates of violence, worsened living conditions, and an increased strain on healthcare and rehabilitation services. Inmates often face cramped quarters, making it difficult to maintain proper hygiene and exacerbating mental health issues.

Overcrowding also makes it harder for staff to monitor and manage inmates safely.

Without immediate action to address these conditions, the Oklahoma County jail risks becoming even more unsafe and unsanitary for its occupants. The pressing need for a new, larger facility is undeniable, but funding obstacles and legal disputes are delaying progress.

Finding possible solutions?

County officials are actively seeking solutions to resolve the overcrowding crisis and secure the necessary funds for the new jail.

During a recent meeting, the commissioners voted to allow the Citizens Bond Oversight Committee to explore additional funding options, including innovative financial models. Below are five potential solutions to address the current crisis:

✔️1. Public-Private Partnerships (PPP)

One of the more promising solutions involves the use of a public-private partnership (PPP), which would allow the county to leverage private investment to finance the new jail.

Commissioner Maughan mentioned a concept called a "lockbox," where the county could allocate a certain amount of money and bond against it using future projections. This method would enable the county to begin construction without immediately needing more taxpayer funding.

By partnering with private entities, Oklahoma County could potentially reduce its financial burden while still moving forward with the project.

✔️2. Additional Bonds or Taxpayer Funding

While the original $260 million bond has fallen short due to inflation and rising costs, the county may need to return to voters to request approval for additional bonds.

A well-coordinated public outreach campaign could explain the critical need for a larger, more modern facility and how it would enhance public safety. Voters might be more inclined to support additional funding if they understand the risks of continuing with the overcrowded, outdated facility.

✔️3. Reducing Jail Population Through Criminal Justice Reform

Another potential solution is to reduce the jail population itself by implementing criminal justice reforms.

💥Many non-violent offenders could be diverted to alternative programs, such as drug treatment or mental health services, instead of being incarcerated.

💥Bail reform could also reduce the number of individuals held in pretrial detention simply because they cannot afford bail.

💥Expanding parole and probation options could help keep the jail population at a more manageable level, potentially alleviating the need for such a large facility.

✔️4. Expanding or Renovating the Existing Jail

Rather than building a new facility from the ground up, county officials could explore the option of expanding or renovating the current jail.

While this approach might not completely solve the overcrowding problem, it could offer a more cost-effective, short-term solution. Expanding the existing structure could accommodate more inmates while the county works on securing the funds for a new jail.

✔️5. Settlement with Oklahoma City for the Special Use Permit

The county is also facing legal challenges related to the proposed site for the new jail. In June, the Oklahoma City Council voted against a special use permit for the location off Grand Boulevard.

County commissioners have directed the District Attorney to explore settlement options with the city to resolve the dispute. Reaching a compromise or finding an alternative site could help move the project forward, avoiding costly delays from prolonged litigation.

What do you think? Is there a workable solution to jail overcrowding?

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