Leaders in Oklahoma County are awaiting feedback from the Department of Justice on whether the agency will force a tax increase to pay for improvements to the county jail.
District 3 Commissioner Ray Vaughn says the county informed the department they've done all they can to improve conditions at the lockup without any new funding from a tax increase.
Vaughn tells The Journal Record that the commission sent a letter updating the federal government shortly before the shutdown Oct. 1. The county has not yet received a response.
Officials say the Justice Department can file suit ordering the county to pay for the improvements within three years. Officials say that would amount to a property tax increase of about $226 on a $100,000 home in the first year alone.
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