Home -> Law Blog Directory -> Criminal Law Blogs -> Grits for Breakfast

Criminal Law

: Grits for Breakfast

Smith County Commissioners may bypass voters on new jail debt

Figuring three strikes and you're out on voter-approved jail bonds, the Smith County commissioners court is considering issuing "certificates of obligation" (non-voter approved debt) to expand the jail in my hometown, albeit a smaller expansion than previously proposed. Reports the Tyler Morning Telegraph ("New jail plan would bypass voters," July 14):Commissioner Jeff Warr has prepared a $33 million, 385-bed jail renovation and expansion project to be unveiled at a 3 p.m. special meeting Tuesday.For months, Warr worked to produce a plan that he believed would relieve jail overcrowding, reduce costs and safety concerns, increase efficiency and meet state requirements. The plans received the Texas Commission on Jail Standards? approval last week, and he informed the court he would make a presentation for their consideration next week...continue to full post

Full post as published by Grits for Breakfast on July 18, 2010 (boomark / email).