Politics
Oklahoma County groups seek citizen grand jury inquiry into jail project spending
The Neal Center for Justice and Sooner State Party have asked a judge for permission to gather signatures to convene a citizen’s grand jury examining the county jail project. The request comes as voters prepare to decide on a proposed sales tax to help cover construction costs that have risen far beyond the $260 million originally approved.
Two Oklahoma County organizations are asking a district judge for permission to collect signatures to convene a citizen’s grand jury focused on the proposed new county jail and how its funding has been handled.
The Neal Center for Justice and the Sooner State Party filed the request Monday, Oct. 19. If the court approves it, the groups could begin collecting signatures to pursue an inquiry into the project’s finances and decision-making.
Voters approved $260 million for a new jail about four years ago. But estimates for the project have since climbed, with recent figures reaching as high as $800 million. The groups say residents want a clear account of how the original funding was used before they are asked to support additional public revenue.
“There are a lot of questions as to what happened to the $260 million that was already voted on and approved,” said C.J. Webber Neal, chief executive of the Neal Center for Justice. He said residents are skeptical and want an accounting of the funds.
The proposed funding measure is a four-tenths-of-one-percent sales tax. The Oklahoma County Board of County Commissioners approved putting the proposal forward in August on a 2-1 vote. Voters are scheduled to decide on it in November. Commissioner Brian Maughan has said the tax would help close the construction funding gap and provide money for 25 years of jail and behavioral care center operations.
The petitioners are seeking public access to financial statements, independent audits, construction contracts, change orders and payment records, as well as details about bond proceeds, expenditures and oversight. Their request calls for documentation of how much debt was issued, where the money went, who approved spending and what funds remain.
Former state Sen. Connie Johnson raised concerns about how project spending is managed, while Oklahoma NAACP Secretary Delicia Reid said taxpayers should be able to verify that public money is being used appropriately and for lasting needs.
The court has yet to decide whether the organizations may begin collecting signatures. The November vote would determine whether the county adds the sales tax to help finance construction and ongoing operations; the grand jury request seeks scrutiny of the project’s existing funding and decisions.