OKLAHOMA CITY – Oklahoma County officials approved a $163 million budget Thursday, May 21, then promptly sidestepped the harder question: how to pay for the rest of a jail project that still lacks a funding plan.
The Oklahoma County Budget Board voted 5-2 to adopt a $163.3 million budget for fiscal year 2026–2027, fully funding all county departments while rejecting a proposal to begin setting aside money for the next phase of jail construction, according to reporting by The Oklahoman.
The defeated proposal, brought by County Clerk Maressa Treat, would have transferred roughly $9.6 million from projected reserves into a restricted “Phase II Jail Construction” account — an early step toward addressing what officials acknowledge will be significant remaining costs.
Treat argued the county should begin preparing now for both construction and long-term operational expenses tied to the new facility.
“The county faces significant costs to complete construction of the new jail and operate it once completed,” she said, adding the current budget process does not sufficiently account for those obligations.
Other board members pushed back, raising concerns about restricting funds that could be needed elsewhere and noting the money is already invested and generating returns.
The exchange highlighted a broader stalemate over how to fund completion of the jail project, which carries an estimated total cost approaching $800 million. County Engineer Stacey Trumbo told officials the path forward is likely unavoidable.
“It has to come from a sales tax,” Trumbo said.
Despite the disagreement, the board moved forward with a budget that includes $17.4 million in reserves and reflects recommendations from its Budget Evaluation Team. Chairman Brian Maughan joined Treat in opposing the budget, arguing departments were granted full funding without sufficient scrutiny for potential reductions.
The jail project remains in phases following voter approval of a $260 million bond package in 2022. Initial construction is underway on a hybrid facility near 1901 E. Grand Blvd., while a second phase would complete the full jail and allow closure of the aging downtown facility.
Officials have warned that failing to complete the project could leave the county operating two facilities — a costly outcome that has increased pressure to identify a long-term funding source.
Treat said she will continue working with county officials on funding options, and board members indicated the savings proposal could return later this year after final revenue figures are available.
Source: The Oklahoman.com
