Grayson Jail Update
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Posted: 6:30 PM Jan 25, 2010
Grayson Jail Update
SHERMAN TX--Trying to figure out what should be done with the county jail, has become a seemingly never-ending debate in Grayson County. A considerable amount of time and a considerable amount of money has been spent studying the issue; Today Commissioners heard the findings of the latest study, but this one didn't cost the county a dime.
Reporter: Josh Stevenson
Email Address: josh.stevenson@kxii.com
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SHERMAN TX--Trying to figure out what should be done with the county jail, has become a seemingly never-ending debate in Grayson County.
A considerable amount of time and a considerable amount of money has been spent studying the issue; Today Commissioners heard the findings of the latest study, but this one didn't cost the county a dime.

"We, as a company, said they could do this study for 30 thousand dollars, and Hale-Mills said they could do it for nothing, so we went with them and we just heard their report," said Grayson County Commissioner Johnny Waldrip.

Hale- Mills submitted a proposal to build a private jail before that option was taken off of the table. The company says they want to help solve Grayson County's jail problems, so they decided to conduct a new feasibility study for free.

"We felt we could come up with an evaluation that could help the court, to make some decisions, and offer some suggestions for options that would be viable and satisfy all parties," said Kendall Phinney with Hale-Mills.

The report offered commissioners three different options.
Commissioners say the most favorable option, and the one that will likely go to the voters, is a complete overhaul of the existing facility plus the addition of 337 beds, with a proposed cost to taxpayers of an estimated 20 million dollars.

Commissioner Johnny Waldrip says the real question isn't about what changes need to be made, but whether taxpayers will be willing to pay for it.

"Do the people want to spend their taxes, to pay 20 million dollars to add onto the jail, or do they want to leave it as is, it is that way," said Waldrip.

Commissioners now have to decide if they will move forward with remodeling and expansion of the current facility, by putting a bond measure on the ballot in May.

"The bottom line is before anything is done it will go to the people for a vote,” said Waldrip.


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