Citizens Bond Oversight Advisory Board Special Meeting 08/04/2026

The Oklahoma County Citizens Bond Oversight Advisory Board held a special meeting on August 4, 2026, primarily focused on the planning, design, management, and construction of the new Oklahoma County Adult Detention Facility and Behavioral Care Facility. The board reviewed project progress, including funding status with approximately $16.5 million spent on the jail portion and $32 million on the behavioral care facility, noting that ARPA funds are nearing exhaustion. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to discussing a recommendation to the Board of County Commissioners to call a sales tax election on November 3, 2026, proposing a new 0.4% county sales tax for 25 to 30 years to fund construction, operation, and maintenance of detention and mental health facilities. The board debated key procurement-related elements such as the total project cost not to exceed $605 million, facility size capped at 800,000 square feet and 1,800 total beds, and the creation of a lockbox for future maintenance funding. They also recommended expanding the oversight committee to include credentialed officials to ensure financial and construction oversight. Public comments raised concerns about jail size, operational issues, and equitable funding contributions from Oklahoma City. The board voted to forward the recommendation with these supplemental provisions to the commissioners for consideration and inclusion in the ballot language.