The Dallas City Council has approved a $7.8 million contract to process and house city prisoners at the county jail. However, this decision has sparked a discussion among council members about the financial relationship between the city and county, leading to a call for a review of city investments.
The jail in question is the Lew Sterrett Justice Center, a facility dating back to 1983, which Dallas County is working to maintain while planning for a future replacement. Dallas County Commissioner John Wiley Price, who attended the council meeting, expressed concern that the $7.8 million figure is insufficient, as the city is responsible for about 40% of the jail’s population.
Price emphasized the disparity, stating, “When you start talking about $8 million, you’re a little short.” He also highlighted that several municipalities in Dallas County either run their own jails or partner with neighboring cities.
Dallas County is already exploring potential sites for a new jail and criminal courthouse, with an estimated construction cost of $5 billion. Price hopes to see the new facilities completed by 2032. For more details, visit NBC DFW.
Councilmember Gay Donnell Willis acknowledged Price’s concerns, advocating for a closer examination of the return on investment Dallas taxpayers receive from these contracts. Willis suggested that reviewing contributions versus benefits could help determine if Dallas should consider investing in its own jail.
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The council unanimously approved the contract, but Councilmember Chad West expressed interest in further exploring the issue through the Government Performance and Financial Management committee.