Oklahoma County Trust Members expecting financial help to prevent dissolution
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) — In Friday's meeting, the dissolution of the jail trust didn't happen, but one member put the option on the table.
It's been five years since the Oklahoma County Sheriff's Office handed over the jail to a jail trust and private administrator.
However, it didn't stop the number of inmate deaths or systemic problems in the facility, as the Oklahoma County Detention Center has failed 11 health inspections.
Trust member and Pastor Derrick Scobey said he had intentions to introduce a motion to dissolve the trust, but decided not to go through with it.
"I very rarely change my mind, but with new information, at times, leads to new decisions," said Scobey.
He also added, "If successful, these revenue enhancements, they could provide the financial foundation necessary to implement reforms, staffing improvements, facility upgrades, and programming expansions."
As the trust still works to find ways to fund the new facility, which they received a $260 million bond for in 2022 after voters approved it, you may be wondering where the additional money will come from.
District 1 Commissioner Jason Lowe said, "Sales tax, or it could come from private funding. We just don't know at this point. But something has to be done."
While District 2 Commissioner Brian Maughan said, “I support the trust and think they have done good work in a number of areas. I always welcome opportunities to review and see if additional improvements can be made. As always, I’m grateful to the citizens who serve for free on the jail trust. We are fortunate to have such dedicated volunteers.”
Mark Faulk with the People's Council for Justice Reform said he spoke with Pastor Scobey prior to Friday's meeting.
"All of the jail trust members were approached by someone or a group of someones with a great deal of money," said Faulk.
Faulk also said, in order for the trust to receive the money, they must stay in place and not hand responsibilities back over to the Oklahoma County Sheriff's Office.
"They would pull their funding. So we have billionaires pulling the purse strings and saying only if the jail trust continues to exist. Well, we help you get additional funding," Faulk said.
With the trust still hanging on, Commissioner Jason Lowe acknowledged the systemic issues as unacceptable.
"People are dying over 58 deaths over the last five years. This is obviously a problem, and I commend his leadership on bringing this to the forefront based on the fact that we need to do something different," Commissioner Lowe said.
It is unknown who the people are that have agreed to step up financially and help the trust. News 4 also doesn't know when the money will be received or the amount.
In Friday's meeting, Chairman Steven Buck passed a motion for the Oklahoma County Commissioners to start conducting a performance review with the trust to see if they can successfully carry out their duties.