Bosque County jail vote leaves commissioners seeking alternatives

I failed to mention one key election result from tiny Bosque County, where voters this month voted down a jail expansion despite condemnation in annual inspections by the Texas Commission on Jail Standards. According to the Waco Tribune Herald ("Bosque County officials regrouping after voters turn down jail bond," Nov. 6, subscription only), for now "officials will continue to repair the dilapidated structure on an as-needed basis, and work closely with Texas Commission on Jail Standards agents to keep the jail up-to-code and operational."

The decisive factor in a razor-tight race: "Had the bond passed, taxes for the average property owner would have risen by about $54 to $56 per year." A total of 2,640 voted against the jail bond and 2,467 voted for it, reported the Trib. “It’s tough times,” said the county judge, “But I think at some point . . . you have to listen to the voice of the people, and they have spoken. Obviously, they want us to look at other alternatives.”