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Del City residents urge county commissioners not to site Oklahoma County jail at 1901 East Grand
Summary
Residents and several council members urged a show of public opposition to an Oklahoma County plan to build a new jail near Del City, warning of large costs and local impacts and asking people to attend the county commissioners' meeting to oppose the contract signing.
Public commenters at the Dec. 16 Del City City Council meeting urged residents to attend an Oklahoma County commissioners meeting and press county leaders not to sign a contract to build a proposed jail at 1901 E. Grand Ave.
Why it matters: Speakers said the contract, if signed, would commit Oklahoma County to an estimated $800 million construction bill that they said the county does not have and that could lead to higher property taxes or other fiscal consequences for county residents.
Several residents urged a large turnout at the county meeting. A frequent commenter who identified himself as Happy Hightower of Epperly Drive told the council the commissioners may decide as soon as Wednesday morning whether to sign a contract to begin construction and urged residents to be present at 9 a.m. He said the county "does not have" the funds and warned of tax increases if the county borrows or otherwise finances the project.
Gina Standridge, who said she lives in Del City, also urged residents of neighboring communities — Midwest City, The Village and others — to attend and said privatizing the facility would increase costs further. "If it isn't taxpayers paying for it, in the end it still will be because they're going to privatize it and we're going to be charged 30% interest," she said.
Council response and next steps: Council members and city staff said they are monitoring the county schedule. Councilman Michael Dean told the public the city will file further litigation if the county obtains a building permit and proceeds; he said legal challenges would move to the Oklahoma Supreme Court. Assistant City Manager Kelly Wilbanks and Mayor Floyd Eason said the city will post updates as they learn whether the county meeting will be Wednesday or Friday and urged residents to continue contacting county officials.
Local safety and neighborhood concerns: A Del City resident who asked the council to act on an Oak Brook Apartments complaint said the complex is near the proposed jail site and already has high service calls for police and fire. He reported pests and maintenance problems and asked the city to direct code enforcement to investigate public-nuisance actions for that property.
What officials said about legal process: Wilbanks told the council the attorney general letter circulated publicly was a staff-produced communication and not a formal AG opinion reviewing all legal questions. The city manager repeated that the city will continue to pursue available legal remedies and support residents called as potential witnesses in pretrial proceedings set for January.
Ending: Council and staff asked residents to continue contacting county commissioners and Oklahoma City council members and to watch Del City's social channels for any schedule changes so residents can attend and comment at the county meeting.
