TYLER-- Leaders from the City of Tyler are now weighing in on the Smith County Jail proposal.

The Board of Directors for the Tyler Chamber of Commerce make their first public comment, saying they are for the proposal.

The Chamber of Commerce Board Chairman Aubrey Sharpe said, "It makes good business sense in the mind of our board that it is time to do something and do it downtown."

Sharpe says the board supports the downtown location and the $125 million dollar bond package.

Sharpe said, "All we know is that at some point in time, we're going to have to build the jail."

Sharpe says the Tyler Chamber of Commerce board wants to continue to see downtown Tyler grow and also believes if the jail is built downtown it keep jobs within Tyler city limits.

Sharpe said, "We stand to loose when you consider attorney's, the sheriff department, the probation office, adult probation, we stand to loose between 400 to 500 jobs downtown and that's not economic development."

Opponents of the proposal say the downtown plan isn't the best because of limited potential for expanding the building along with the price tag.

Tyler Mayor Joey Seeber said in a statement, "Tyler 21 intentionally didn't address the jail because it is a county issue. I believe downtown has a bright future whether this proposal passes or not.”

Ultimately the decision is up to the voters.

Early voting begins Monday, October 22nd.

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