Hutchinson County commissioners approve $5 million transfer to start jail capital projects fund

HUTCHINSON COUNTY, Texas — The Hutchinson County Commissioners Court voted unanimously Sept. 9 to create a jail capital projects fund and transfer $5,000,000 from the county’s general fund reserves to be committed to future jail needs.

The court approved the transfer after discussion about how the money will be dedicated and whether to solicit public input before moving ahead. "I like the idea, except I think we need more community involvement in this to get some opinions from the community," one commissioner said during the discussion, adding that $5 million is a large starting sum for a long-term project.

Court members noted the transfer is an initial funding step and not a final decision to design or build a facility. A motion to create the jail capital projects fund and move $5,000,000 into it passed with a second and an affirmative voice vote by the court.

Commissioners said the transfer simply sets aside reserves for future use: it commits funds to a capital projects fund rather than immediately authorizing construction or contracts. The court did not adopt any design, procurement schedule or contractor agreements at the Sept. 9 meeting.

The vote came after members discussed transparency and engagement, with at least one commissioner urging meetings to give citizens an opportunity to provide input before larger decisions. The court did not set a public engagement process at the meeting.

The transfer will appear in the county’s capital fund accounting and be reported in future budget documents and agenda items if and when commissioners move from planning to contracting or construction.