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Hood County commissioners vote down May call for $21 million jail bond after heated debate
Summary
After presentations from a financial advisor and extended public comment, the Hood County Commissioners Court voted 3‑2 against calling a $21 million bond election for a new 161‑bed jail on May 3, 2025, with commissioners split over timing, voter outreach and pending state legislation that could limit future bond attempts.
A motion to place a $21 million bond to build a new Hood County jail on the May 3, 2025 ballot failed in a 3‑2 vote on Feb. 11 after an extended presentation and public comment.
Financial adviser Jim Sabonis of Hilltop Securities told the court the county’s credit rating is high and that a $21 million limited tax permanent improvement bond could be structured so the county’s interest and sinking (I&S) debt service rate would remain essentially unchanged in the immediate year, while preserving future tax capacity. Sabonis presented a 20‑year financing scenario using a 4.10% assumed interest rate that produced roughly $30.4 million in principal and interest over the life of the issue.
The debate turned on timing and outreach. Several residents and county officials urged a May…
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