SHERMAN TX--A new twist to the old debate over what to do with the Grayson county jail has Commissioners divided over the latest proposal.

"I am going to vote no on a citizens committee, so the motion fails," said Judge Drue Bynum.

The issue facing County Commissioners was if a citizens committee should be formed to investigate the future if the jail. Forming a committee to get citizen input would have pushed back the bond vote to at least November, but what some considered a fair compromise to further study the jail issue, was voted down. County Judge Drue Bynum's no vote, broke a two to two tie.
Bynum says it’s time to stop studying the issue, and put it to a vote.

"I am perfectly willing to give voters the chance to say if they are willing to have a tax increase," said Judge Bynum.

By casting the deciding vote, the judge moves the court one step closer to a bond election to finance a complete remodel and expansion of the Grayson County Jail, even though he is against the idea.

"I will continue to tell the people of Grayson County as I have for three years that I don't support a tax increase, I think there are other ways to solve problems without asking for more money," said Judge Bynum.

The irony of Judge Bynum's Vote was not lost on those attending today's meeting.

"He is proposing a bond issue that he has acknowledged that he is against," said Grayson County resident Tony Beaverson.

While the motion to move the date of the bond election back to November failed today, those who are for the plan, say more time is needed to get the bond passed.

"Without getting more information out to the people, with architectural plans and drawings I don't think it will pass in May," said Beaverson.

Judge Bynum says people don't need to see plans to know if they would support a tax increase, and that the public outcry for an election has been heard and should be met as soon as possible.

"I think at the end of the day, there are people who don't care, but don't want to raise their tax rate so we will see,” said Judge Bynum.