GROVETON — Trinity County Commissioners discussed the next steps for a jail bond issue and what is required to get the matter on a ballot.
Ben Rosenberg of U.S. Capital Advisors said at the Jan. 28 meeting that in order to get a ballot issue ready in time for a May election, there were certain steps to be taken and a ticking clock on the matter.
The Commissioners Court brought in financial advisors after the Trinity County Jail Committee in October 2024 urged the county to move forward on a bond issue to build a new jail. The expected amount for a 48-bed facility is $16.5 million, to be paid for by general obligation bonds over a 20-year period.
For this year, the election must be called by the court by Feb. 11; there is also a rule that elected county officials cannot come out for or against the bond issue.
County Judge Danny Martin said that he figured for a 20-year payout as typically another bond issue would be necessary at that time for any repairs and renovations.
Payments would be around $1.4 million a year; should the county go for a May election, the first payments would come due around the time the county would be preparing its next budget and the funds could be factored in.
For the taxpayer, the expected costs would be around $84.90 per $100,000 valuation of owned property.
Commissioner Tommy Park questioned the steps after that, because it would likely take a separate bond issue to have the funds to operate the facility.
Commissioner Neal Smith questioned the cost of the election; Elections Administrator Priscilla Rasbeary said it would be $50,000 to $60,000 if held in May, but it would be less if it was made part of a general election, which are held in even-numbered years in November.
Commissioners also discussed moving the election to May of 2026, but made no decision.
The Jail Committee was to meet with a bond attorney on Feb. 11.
In other business, the court:
