HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution 1359---
A Resolution ~~~.s-y
REQUESTING STATE ACTION ON BAIL OVERCROWDING
WHEREAS, an estimated 7,500 state prisoners are housed in Texas county jails
because there is not enough roan for them in the state prison system;
and,
WHEREAS, holding those prisoners is costing counties an estimated $100 million
annually; and
WHEREAS, in Tarrant County the State's refusal to accept convicted felons into
the Texas Department of Corrections has resulted in more than 600 state
prisoners backed up into the County Jail facility, and by the end of the
year this number is expected to grow to 1,000; and,
WHEREAS, the State's refusal to meet its responsibility and accept convicted
felons into the Texas Department of Corrections has placed Tarrant
County under financial strain and has forced the Sheriff to temporarily
close the existing jail facility because of unsafe conditions created by
-severe overcrowding; and,
WHEREAS, the lack of adequate state prison space directly impacts every law
enforcement agency in the County, including the Fort Worth Police
Department; and
WHEREAS, Tarrant County is faced with the dilemna of providing the necessary
finances to meet a state function by utilizing the ad valorem tax; and,
WHEREAS, the citizens of Tarrant County are being taxed twice since citizens pay
a state sales tax to operate the Texas Department of Corrections and are
now facing an increase in their property taxes to address the jail
overcrowding situation;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLYED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT WORTH,
TEXAS:
that the City requests that the State take possession of its prisoners
as soon as possible and reimburse the counties for housing those
prisoners.
Adopted this ~/'~ay of October, 1988.
TT APPROVED BY
ATTEST:
City Secretary
CITI_ COItNCII
Mayor
OCT 4 19@8
KEW. A~s¢~~
C3tq Seoretazy of the
City of Fort 9/orth, Toxae
C1T]T OF FORT N1ORT9