SMITH COUNTY - Some voters have already chosen sides. In fact the "Build a Jail" Committee is challenging the "citizens for the right jail plan" to a debate.

Last year a committee campaigned against a jail proposal and it got turned down. With more money on the line this time, there's sure to be more discussion.

After years of overcrowding, debate about building a new Smith County Jail is heating up again.

"Crime is up in Tyler in Smith County and it's a safety issue," said Bobby Mims.

Defense Attorney Bobby Mims says he's supporting the plan now because he says more time, means more money spent housing inmates in seven other counties.

"It's a lot of money sure it is, but if we would have built it years ago, it would have been less," Mims said.

According to county records, it's costing taxpayers $4,000,000 a year to send Smith County inmates to other county jails because there is no room.

Those on the other side of the arguement, the Citizens for the Right Jail Plan, say there's a problem.

Treasurer R.C. Curtis told a local paper $125 million dollars is not enough to pay for the underground tunnels, plus parking, and money for other office buildings included in the plan.

With less than 1,400 beds, Curtis said commissioners aren't planning far enough into the future.

"The beauty of this plan, it allows for expansion," said Mims.

Mims says since the extra beds aren't needed now; they can be built later.

The "Build a Jail" committtee tells us the underground tunnel is not needed yet.

They say, they'll debate anyone who disagrees with their plan.

But there wasn't that much support for a new jail just a year ago.

One leader of the build a jail committee, Ken Good, was on the other side of the arguement on last may's election to build a jail; along with now County Judge Joel Baker.

Early voting on this bond begins October 22.