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Council backs county bond for Kaufman County juvenile detention center

3088839 · April 23, 2025

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Summary

Terrell City Council unanimously approved a resolution supporting Kaufman County’s bond proposal to build a 32‑bed juvenile detention center, probation offices and a juvenile justice alternative education program.

The Terrell City Council voted unanimously on April 20 to approve Resolution No. 2,218 in support of Kaufman County’s bond proposal to build a new juvenile detention center, a probation office and a juvenile justice alternative education program (JJEP).

Judge Joseph Russell, Kaufman County County Court at Law, described a rise in juvenile crime severity and said local courts are increasingly arresting youths in serious offenses involving firearms. Kaufman County Chief Juvenile Probation Officer Mike Ramsey (title as given in presentation) said a feasibility study recommended a 32‑bed detention facility combined with a 34,000‑square‑foot campus to house probation staff and a JJEP classroom program.

Ramsey told council that without local beds Kaufman County must send juveniles to distant facilities (as far east as Marshall and as far west as Midland). He said the county currently averages 10‑15 juveniles in detention and estimates 32 beds are appropriate, with capacity to expand if demand grows. The county estimates a $37 million cost; Ramsey and Judge Russell said mortgage‑style tax guidance would increase the owner of a $311,000 house by about $2.50 per month, though councilors noted that Terrell’s median home appraisal is lower and individual impacts would vary.

Council members asked about priority access for Terrell and other municipalities; officials said Kaufman County municipalities would have first rights to beds under interlocal agreements. Council members also asked about staffing, program oversight, and opportunities for school districts to reserve JJEP slots; county officials said Kaufman ISD would administer the educational program and other ISDs could contract for seats.

Councilmember Donna Renee Anderson moved and Deputy Mayor Pro Tem Phil Robinson seconded approval of the resolution; the motion carried unanimously of those present.

The resolution is a nonbinding statement of council support for the county bond proposition ahead of the county’s vote.