Oklahoma County voters will decide on Nov. 3 whether to approve a two‑fifths sales tax—one penny per dollar—to fund the construction and ongoing maintenance of a new detention center. County Commissioner Brian Maughan, who represents District 2, warned that a “no” vote would halt construction and leave the project unfinished.
What the tax would fund
The proposed sales tax is dedicated solely to the jail project. It would cover the $819 million estimated cost for the new facility, which includes a 400‑bed Phase One and a larger 1,600‑bed Phase Two, as well as a $50 million behavioral‑care center already built by the commission.
Consequences of a rejected measure
Maughan explained that without the tax revenue, the Department of Justice would not sanction opening the new jail while the old one remains in use. “We cannot afford to run two facilities,” he said, comparing the situation to a city forced to keep two arenas open. “If the tax fails, construction will have to come to a halt, and the project will remain incomplete.”
Opposition from fellow commissioners
Commissioner Jason Lowe, a vocal opponent of the jail’s location on East Grand, called the plan “reckless” and “irresponsible.” He noted that the county is already under two state audits and questioned the ability to manage a $1 billion‑plus project. Lowe’s criticism reflects concerns from some taxpayers about fiscal oversight and the sheer scale of the undertaking.
Candidate positions on the ballot measure
County commissioner candidates have also weighed in. District 3 candidate Jessica Clayton acknowledged that Oklahoma County is the only county without a sales tax and urged voters to consider the limited alternatives, including renovating the current jail or building a smaller facility. “I don’t see any other options,” she said.
Another District 3 contender, Jennifer Mayo, suggested that voters could choose to renovate the existing jail or pursue a smaller facility, but emphasized that a new tax is the only realistic path to completing the current project. “Vote for me and vote no on the sales tax,” Mayo said.
Why the tax matters to the community
Supporters argue that the new detention center is essential for public safety and for providing modern, humane conditions for inmates. The behavioral‑care center, already funded, offers vital services that are not available in the aging county jail.
Commissioner Maughan stressed his personal commitment, describing himself as “very conservative” and insisting that his reputation for fiscal responsibility drives his support for the tax. “Nobody hates this more than I do,” he said, adding that without the tax, the county would be forced to halt construction and leave the project incomplete.
What voters need to know
Voters should consider the financial implications of both outcomes. A “yes” vote would add a modest sales tax that directly funds the jail project, while a “no” vote could mean continued reliance on the outdated county jail and potential cost overruns if the project is left unfinished.
Election officials have posted polling locations, sample ballots, and absentee voting information on the Oklahoma County website. Residents are encouraged to review the details and make an informed decision on Nov. 3.
Original reporting: Oklahoma City News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
