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Smith County voters respond to jail bond

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By Crystal Kobza
KETK News

It's the same question that has been kicked around in Smith County, to build a jail and where will it go?

Among many other things voters will decide upon in November-- they will vote for a new jail.

In a convenience poll, KETK viewers answered the question voters will answer in November:

Would you approve the 125 million dollar jail bond?

As of Thursday, 28 percent voted yes, 59 percent voted no and 13 percent wanted to know more about the bond.

Smith County Commissioner Joann Fleming said, "I'm not surprised, I'm not surprised."

Commissioner Fleming says the master plan for the new jail has changed and too many times.

Right now, the 125 million dollars, builds a new jail tower, a low risk facility, sheriff's department, and adult probation center all downtown.

But most people we talked to wouldn't know it.

Smith County Resident Jim Rome said, "I feel like the public needs more information, I think the price tag that has been put on this so far is way too high."

Commissioner Fleming said, "I think there's some issues that came up during the budget process that have damaged the opportunity to pass this and actions have consequences."

The bond proposal comes after Smith County residents voted "no" to both jail proposals last year.

Since then the price tag has gone up from the $83 million.

Smith County Resident Ernest Gower said, "They're making an effort but when they tell us one price one year and come back with 99 million and now it's 125 , it puts a lot of reconsideration into effect."

Commissioner Fleming says also included in the bond is the three additional courtrooms along with administrative offices, however they are not finished, nor paided for.

Additional propery to build more parking spaces though was not included in the bond.

Along with an tunnel to connect the Low Risk Facility to the new courts building.

Smith County Resident Sandy Brazil said, "Well knowing that the cost of everything is going up but I'm still for it, I'm still for seeing the improvements of the system."

Other commissioners were not available for commenting on this story.

And early voting starts October 22nd.

Election day is November 6th.

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