Freestone County Jail Bond Discussed in Open Meetings at Courthouse

A Case for Freestone County Bond Approval

“I understand the need for a new jail, but the Justice Center seems unnecessary—we already have a Courthouse.”

That view was common among attendees arriving at Judge Lloyd Lane’s morning and evening sessions on October 12, 2026, in the Commissioners’ Courtroom. The meetings addressed the $49.9 million bond proposal on the November ballot, and many attendees appeared more supportive by the end.

Judge Lane explained that with the new 76,000 square feet facility to house both the 144-bed jail with deputies, Sheriff, and his administration would be 2 miles from the Courthouse. Other offices under the Sheriff’s umbrella, including 911 Dispatch, Criminal Investigations Division (CID), training and Emergency Operations, would be there as well.

Although the historic Freestone County Jail does not meet current standards, it remains grandfathered because it was built the same year the Texas Commission on Jail Standards was established – in 1975.

Judge Lane explained that the Justice Center was necessary because these individuals interact with various offices in the Courthouse, such as County Judge, County Auditor, District Clerk, and County Treasurer.

It was explained that additional offices to be housed in the Justice Center will be the District Attorney, County Attorney, 2 of 4 Justices of the Peace, and the County Clerk.

There are to be District and County Courtrooms, jury rooms, Judges chambers and support spaces.

“A central location for all operations just makes good sense,” he explained.

Courthouse Restoration – How it is Connected

The need for the Justice Center is further underscored by a $9.6 million Historical Society grant to restore the Courthouse to its original appearance. The project requires removing surrounding structures, including the jail and County Clerk’s Office. Once interior restoration begins, power to the Courthouse will be shut down, requiring its offices to relocate temporarily and potentially incur rental costs.

Judge Lane stated the current jail, built in 1975, has 43 beds, making it necessary to send many inmates to 9 other county facilities at a cost of approximately $70 per day/per inmate.  The County has spent $1,004,468 this year alone.

Additionally, there are inherent dangers to deputies and the possibility of escape when taking inmates from the jail to an unsecured area before getting into the Courtroom.

According to Judge Lane, the bond would increase the tax rate from $32.99 to around $40.

“However,” Judge Lane pointed out, “since he took office in 2021, the rate had steadily decreased from a high of $39.375, and Freestone County’s rate is lower than the 6 nearby counties.”

When negotiating with David Fowler, Executive Director of Executive Development, Judge Lane was able to get the 373 acres, valued at $4400/acre, in the Industrial Park at no cost by agreeing to run water and sewer lines to the adjacent property.

“Time is of the essence,” Ben Rosenberg of US Capital said they had only a two-week window in August to get it on the ballot. At that time, the 30-year interest rate was around 4.75%. It is now at 5%.

“I can’t promise anything,” Judge Lane stated when explaining the rate could improve due to increase tax revenue from Fairfield Lake multi-million-dollar properties and two data centers.

A bonus to taxpayers will be realized from the sell or lease of three buildings that will be vacated.

WHAT WILL CHANGE

It will take between 18 months and 3 years to build the facility with DRG as the builder.

Offices that will be in the Courthouse include DPS (now housed by Fairfield ISD) and the Driver’s License Bureau.

The temperature in the evening meeting appeared to now favor the bond election.  In the morning session, one individual indicated, “We went to the meeting convinced to vote NO for the new Justice Center and jail. After hearing the plans and the reasons behind the proposal we were convinced to vote YES. It makes extremely good business sense for the County residents and especially for the Sheriff’s Department.”

Mary McDonald

Freelance Reporter

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