OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. (KOKH) — Oklahoma County’s jail will receive a one-time $4.66 million funding to help cover a multimillion-dollar budget shortfall, after a contentious series of meetings that included disputes over procedure and sharp exchanges.
On Tuesday, the Oklahoma County Budget Board approved a request from the jail trust for additional funding to address the detention center’s shortfall, in a 7 to 1 vote.
Jail Administrator Tim Kimrey spoke to the press for the first time after the meeting and said he was satisfied with the decision.
“We’re very appreciative. We’re happy with the outcome. It’s going to sustain us for the next couple of months to the end of the fiscal year. So we’re very pleased,” Kimrey said.
Kimrey also said he would not allow the jail to return to the same financial situation and tied his job to the outcome.
“I’ll say this to the media and to the citizens of this county. If we’re in this shape next year, I’ll resign,” Kimrey said.
Before the budget board meeting, tempers flared during the jail trust meeting between Pastor Derrick Scobey and Jail Chairman Jim Holman.
Tensions also surfaced during public comments, with frustrations directed at members of the budget board.
Even with the funding plan in place, questions remain about how the jail’s finances fell so far behind.
Oklahoma County Sheriff Tommie Johnson raised concerns during the meeting, saying, “But how did we get to a 5 point 8 deficit is the biggest question.”
Several members of the budget board said it is now up to Kimrey to ensure the funds are used properly and to get the jail back on track.
