Debate intensifies over Tyler's proposed $125 million Taj Majal jail

In Tyler, there's a bustling debate over building a new jail in the local paper, including an argument that taking on jail debt would save money (?!), reacting to this reader comment. Another writer criticized local judges setting high bail for misdemeanor offenders. A county commissioner offered this lamentation that a more public process didn't precede the vote. Letters to the editor offered arguments that Tyler needs a jail downtown, a demand for a tent jail, and a demand that the county seek alternatives first. A pro-jail-builder PAC has raised $15,000 to promote the project. The jail would "would add about 6.6 cents to the county's tax rate of 28.8940 cents per $100 in property valuation, according to the county's financial adviser. That's an increase of about 22.8 percent."

See prior Grits coverage:

• Architect: Voters should accept 9-figure price tag for Smith County Jail
  
• Tyler's jail alternative saved $1 million in first 9 months
  
• Smith County voters have more options than building Taj Mahal jail
• Tyler's day reporting center reduces overcrowding, saves money
• 'Unsellable' Tyler jail still too small
• Tyler's Alternative Incarceration Center opens; DA thinks no one qualifies
• Tyler judge: End jail overcrowding with community supervision of nonviolent offenders
• More on Tyler's alternatives to jail overcrowding
• Incarceration Alternatives: From Smith County, a plan emerges
• Update: Tyler Alternative Incarceration Plan, Day Reporting Center funded
• Tyler voters: Jail bonds a 'No-No"
• Jail bond vote may become annual affair in Tyler