Marisa Ross

A vote on a bond aimed at alleviating the overcrowded conditions at the Hays County Jail has been postponed. Marisa Ross has more on the story.

Timing was a major concern in moving a bond election from November to May. County officials says it's important to educate voters on all aspects of the issue so they can be more informed. The bond measure offers several options. Voters can choose to renovate or expand the current facility OR build a new jail. Hays County Sheriff's Lieutenant John Saenz says the current jail doesn't have enough space.
SB
Saenz says officials have found ways to handle the overcrowding, but the solutions are for the short-term at best. One such remedy is out-sourcing inmates to other jails in the region. Hays County sends some inmates to Guadalupe County. Jail Administrator Mark Cumberland says he's concerned that more problems may arise.
SB
Cumberland says it's important for the county to set its priorities and plan for the long term. The Hays County Jail is over 25 years old and requires major improvements. On the list of needs are 600 beds, new equipment and new technology. Sheriff Gary Cutler says he would like to see the situation resolved soon.
SB
Sheriff Cutler and other county officials make it clear that having a new jail would be the best way to address the need for new beds and better technology. For Bobcat Update, I'm Marisa Ross.