Oklahoma County approves $6 million purchase for potential land swap with new county jail

The Oklahoma County Board of Commissioners, acting as the Public Building Authority, voted 2-1 on Tuesday to approve the $6 million purchase of 33 acres at 1100 S. Eastern Avenue. The land acquisition is intended to facilitate a potential land swap with Crooked Oak Schools, which aims to relocate its high school football field away from the site of the county’s new jail.

Discussions between county officials and the school district over the proposed swap date back to February 2024. The land purchase allows for the possibility of an exchange, but officials say that even if the land swap does not move forward, the property could be a valuable county investment for future projects.

Commissioners Brian Maughan, Myles Davidson, and Kevin Calvey debated the decision, with Maughan casting the lone dissenting vote. Maughan expressed concerns that the county is already struggling to fund the jail project and that spending millions on additional land is a financial risk.

“In an ideal world, this would be great if we had the money, but I think these dollars are essential elsewhere,” Maughan said. He argues that funds should be prioritized for jail construction rather than speculative land deals.

Related: Oklahoma County Jail Construction: Controversies, legal battles, and rising costs

Supporters of the purchase, however, view the deal as a strategic long-term investment. Commissioner Davidson emphasized that the land could serve multiple purposes, including public-private partnerships, potential county development, or even as a future site for the county fair.

“This move positions the county well,” Davidson said. “Even if the land swap doesn’t happen, we’re securing prime real estate that could generate future revenue or serve as a key development site.”

The debate also touched on financial concerns for Crooked Oak Schools, with board members questioning whether the district has the funding to proceed with building a new athletic facility. However, Crooked Oak’s school board has maintained in letters to county officials that the project is moving forward, even if it requires a phased approach.

Beyond the land purchase, the meeting also covered routine county business, including the approval of previous meeting minutes, claims processing, and funding allocations. The Board approved a $400,000 cash fund appropriation and greenlit a contract for a new roof at 7401 NE 23rd Street.

The meeting concluded with a moment of recognition for the late former Congressman Wes Watkins and a birthday acknowledgment for county staff member Natalie Robinson. No citizens signed up for public comment, and the session was adjourned.

With the land purchase now approved, the next steps depend on negotiations with Crooked Oak Schools. If the land swap materializes, the school district could proceed with relocating its football field. Otherwise, the county will retain ownership of the property for potential future use.