24-04-2025
‘We're at a very critical point': Voters consider $3.9M bond for upgrades to Runnels County Jail
RUNNELS COUNTY, Texas () – Constructed in 1999, the Runnels County Jail has seen decades of wear. County Judge Julia Miller expressed that repairs and upgrades will be needed in the coming years if the facility remains open and in compliance with the Texas State Code.
Miller said that much of that repair has been done over the past two to three years through county funds and grant money. However, with that grant money running out, the county is going to the voters for approval of a $3,900,000 bond spread out over the next 20 years. That bond focused on upgrades and upkeep in the remaining key areas.
'The jail is 26 years old, and over the years, there are some major repairs that have kind of been just not addressed. Over the past couple of years, we've used grant money and county money out of our general fund to deal with a little over a million dollars in repairs. But we are down to some really big ticket items, such as the HVAC, our plumbing, additional electrical work, and dealing with replacing cell doors. All of those items are just astronomically expensive; we cannot do it in our budget. So that is what has prompted us to go out for this bond election,' Judge Miller said.
Miller said if passed, the bond would equate to about a $28 per year increase for a home valued at $100,000. That amount would be paid out over the next 20 years.
'A couple of months ago, the state came in to do those random inspections, and we passed with flying colors. However, we still have these issues, and if we do not address them, they're going to become really big issues,' said Miller.
KTAB/KRBC spoke with residents in the Ballinger area, where the jail is located, many of whom are conflicted. While some feel there is no need for repairs at this time, others see the bond as necessary to keep the jail within state compliance and ensure it doesn't decay further in the coming years. Ballinger homeowner Hugh Edmonson said, 'I have positioned myself to be able to pay the taxes if they happen to go up. Considering the other citizens in the community, it's not going to be an easy proposition for them, especially homeowners or anybody on a fixed income.'
A similar jail bond issue failed in Runnels County just three years ago. Judge Miller says that at that time, voters voiced doubt in the county's commitment to maintenance, unwilling to put more money into the facility given its condition. That is why Miller says the county has spent the last few years doing the work.
'We know 20 years is a long time, but we've hired a full-time maintenance person…The jail is so far from where it was just two years ago, and we're committed to making it last,' Miller said.
Even with the reassurance of progress so far, Edmonson says he is still wary of what the next 20 years might hold and whether or not state compliance might change.
'So, we spend the $3,000,000 and get it up to specs… until we get some kind of specification or edict from the state that says, okay, you're out of compliance again. And then, what will that be? I don't know if we know that. I don't know if anyone knows that,' said Edmondson.
Miller says that with the current reality facing the county, the bond measure is the only recourse they feel could lead to progress, adding that if the bond were to fail, 'We might be able to limp along for a while. But if something really major comes up… we're at a very critical point, and we do not want to have to shut the jail down,' Miller said.
Miller explains that closing the jail would necessitate transferring inmates to another facility. However, since there is no single detention center that can accommodate all the inmates from Runnels County, the population would be spread across neighboring counties. Miller points out that this arrangement would create additional challenges regarding transportation for court dates, medical visits, and other law enforcement procedures. Moreover, Runnels County would still need to maintain a 72-hour holding facility for individuals arrested within the county.
'If the bond does pass, we'll move forward. If it doesn't pass, we're still good for the time being; I don't know how long we will be, though,' said Miller.
Early voting will end on Tuesday, April 29. Election Day is on Saturday, May 3.
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