The Trinity County Jail Board is deciding whether to issue a bond to fund a new jail

TRINITY COUNTY, Texas (KTRE) – Trinity County could soon have a bond election to build a new jail.

The Trinity County Jail Board is made up of nine people, including elected officials and residents. The committee was tasked with selecting a site to build a new prison. However, they decided to move forward with funding through a bond election.

“We looked at the size of the jail and the cost,” Trinity County District Attorney Bennie Schiro said.

Schiro presented the board’s decision to county commissioners on Sept. 24.

The current prison is outdated and can only accommodate seven inmates. Schiro explained that the Texas Commission on Jail Standards allowed the county to increase the number until a few years ago.

“They allowed us to leave a few more in there. I think we’ve gone up by about 15, and I think we need to require that every year, but it’s not a permanent solution,” he said.

The Prison Committee plans to hold public forums led by a neutral third party.

“You will hear both sides. You will hear what it will cost you. You will hear what I believe is why we need them, including for these reasons,” Schiro explained.

The meetings provide transparency and provide an opportunity for people in the community to ask questions.

“Anyone voting on this should know all aspects of the equation and make an informed decision,” Schiro said.

If the county approves a bond election, it will be on the ballot in November 2025.

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