Smith County Jail Bond Issue Passes

TYLER �Smith County voters have finally been presented a jail improvement package they can accept. The measure easily passed in voting Saturday. The final, but unofficial tally: 3,644 for and 2136 against. Under the $35 million dollar plan, 384 beds would be added with the expansion and renovation of the existing jail.

County leaders are applauding the bond issue’s passage. County Commissioner Jeff Warr spearheaded the effort. He said, “We’re just so thankful that the citizens really looked at the issues of the safety of our officers and of the expense and the money we were wasting of theirs in sending prisoners to other counties.” Sheriff J.B. Smith has been pushing for a jail overhaul for fifteen years. Among his comments: “No one wants to spend money on a jail. It’s like putting money on a dead horse to run at Louisiana Downs. But if you want law and order, you have to have a jail. That goes with it.” Smith also thanked the citizens and commissioner Warr. County Judge Joel Baker singled out Warr as well. After the results came in Saturday night, Baker said, “This is a great night for him, and it’s a great night for the citizens of Smith County. This is something that we’ve needed to do for a long time, and I’m glad to be able to finally put it to rest.”