Citizens Bond Oversory Board backs sales-tax election to fund new Oklahoma County jail

The Citizens Bond Oversight Advisory Board voted to support a proposal to hold a special election asking Oklahoma County voters to approve a county sales tax dedicated to construction and operation of a new county jail.

The action came after board members and county staff reviewed funding options, including public-private partnership proposals and existing bonding capacity, and discussed the possible consequences of federal involvement and the county’s responsibility to repay federal costs if the county did not move forward on a local financing plan.

The motion as read into the record by Cassie, staff member, said: “The Citizens Bond Oversight Advisory Board, recognizing the urgent need to support public safety and to replace the current jail to ensure the safety and security of our community, supports the proposal to hold a special election, seeking voter approval for a county sales tax dedicated to the construction and operation of a new county jail.” Cassie read the motion aloud after a board member offered it…