New Jail Plan In The Works For Oklahoma County

Oklahoma County could have a new jail on the way.

The county commissioners voted on Monday to move forward with trying to build a new facility.

“There are certain things that cannot be fixed in this facility," said Criminal Justice Advisory Council Executive Director Timothy Tardibono.

For decades, issues like overcrowding, bed bugs and even a lack of a real medical unit have plagued the Oklahoma County jail.

This week, the county commissioners unanimously agreed to try and put all the pieces together to build a new jail.

"But it didn't bind any kind of a commitment or timeline," said County Commissioner Brian Maughan.

The plan CJAC presented to the jail trust and county commissioners would include a facility that would house 1,800.

Design elements and where the building would go are still up in the air.

"It's time," said County Commissioner Carrie Blumert. "I think we're ready, but it's the funding sources that I still feel a little torn about."

CJAC's funding plan includes four main pieces, including a continuation of voter approved bonds but no raise in taxes.

"Second the federal funds, we have to determine how much of it can go for those public health concerns, and then finally the smaller bonds would just get us over the finish line," said Tardibono.

But Maughan said there may be other funding options on the table.

"I'm in hopes that we could apply for some funds from the state," said Maughan "We may be able to work with the city on paying for a mental health facility."

He told News 9 that all rests on whether the commission is cleared legally to use American Rescue Plan Funds.

"Oklahoma County has received $154 million in what we call ARPA money, and that money is to be used to respond to the pandemic," said Blumert.

The commissioners are hoping to select a consultant that could provide guidance on the legality of using those funds on a jail, with COVID concerns in mind.

Blumert is hoping to also be able to give some of the funds to nonprofits and other organizations.

"It will depend on how much we will have to use towards a new building, but even several million dollars, I think, could make a different with some of these nonprofits," said Blumert.