Kudos to the Commissioners
I have posted before about the jail situation in McLennan County, and the discussion about whether to turn it over to a private entity. Yesterday the commissioner's resolved the issue for at least now, deciding to keep the jail under the Sheriff's department. I continue to believe that the operation of jails is something that should not be reduced to a dollars and cent decision, and they made the right decision.
I'm not sure the issue is over. At least the County judge is focusing on costs, which is his job. You cannot look at costs alone however, as there are many intangibles that must be considered when you assuming control over the lives of so many people.
Of course, I still wish they would focus on the reasons for overcrowding first. Until you address that, no matter whether its the county or a private concern, experience has shown you cannot build enough jail space.
I'm not sure the issue is over. At least the County judge is focusing on costs, which is his job. You cannot look at costs alone however, as there are many intangibles that must be considered when you assuming control over the lives of so many people.
Of course, I still wish they would focus on the reasons for overcrowding first. Until you address that, no matter whether its the county or a private concern, experience has shown you cannot build enough jail space.
