Jail Timeline Shows Sales Tax Proposal

Another proposal for a tax to fund jail improvements will mostly likely go before voters next March, according to a timeline approved by the jail steering committee May 23.

Officials are seeking proposals from construction firms and hope to create a revised plan that will appeal to the public more than the last one, but there is no question a sales tax will be needed for any construction project to go forward.

Dennis Clardy, a member of the jail advisory committee, prepared a request for proposal (RFP) that will be published in statewide newspapers in seven states. Justice of the Peace (JP) Stan Townsend assisted with the document, which they submitted to the steering committee last week.

The committee voted to submit it for legal review and then for consideration by the quorum court at its next meeting. (The steering committee is the quorum court, plus a few law enforcement and judicial officers who did not attend the meeting.)

A notice will be published in June seeking proposals for both new construction and renovation/addition at the current jail.

See the full story in the May 29, 2019 issue.