Jail Bond Vote Ahead

Oklahoma County officials said voters will be asked next year to approve bonds for upgrades at the county jail that are required by an agreement on the facility signed with the U.S. Department of Justice.

District 3 commissioner Ray Vaughn said he expects an election in summer 2010 on financing the $200 million to $300 million project.

Officials said the county would remedy problems that include inadequate staffing levels, poor medical care for prisoners, and a tolerance of violence in the facility.

The county’s architects said in July that renovating the existing jail would cost $436.7 million, while building a new facility would actually cost less: an estimated $391.1 million.

Officials expect to receive a revised, less-expensive jail plan on Nov. 15.

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