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Council backs ACRJ financing plan over public objections in 3-2 vote
Summary
Charlottesville City Council voted 3-2 to approve a support agreement enabling Albemarle–Charlottesville Regional Jail (ACRJ) to proceed with permanent bond financing and a grant-anticipation note after bids came in above the projectbudget. Public commenters and advocacy groups urged delay until a final scope and price were available.
Charlottesville City Council voted 3-2 to authorize the citysupport agreement for the Albemarle–Charlottesville Regional Jail (ACRJ) to proceed with permanent bond financing and a grant-anticipation note, enabling the jail authority to move forward with renovation and limited new construction despite bids that exceeded the previously stated budget.
The vote followed several hours of public comment opposing the proposed financing. Speakers representing the Peoples Coalition and other advocacy groups asked council to delay any commitment until ACRJ produced a final scope and firm cost estimates. Harold Povier of the Peoples Coalition told council the current plan amounted to "writing a blank check" because the authority had not shown a full scope or final price. Ruby Cherian, an attorney with the Legal Aid Justice Center, said federal budget changes could increase local service needs and urged prioritizing community services over jail expansion.
ACRJ and its financial advisers said the project is eligible for a 25% state…
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