Megajail brews up concern for old jail

BURNET COUNTY (KXAN) - A brewing debate in the Hill Country stems from a years-long controversy concerning the construction of a new Burnet County jail.

The county said it met overcrowding concerns, while opposition abhored the idea of a new 500-bed megajail in its backyard. The newest controversy surfaced over what to do with the old Burnet County jail that sits empty after the new jail opened in March.

The old jail houses fewer than 100 beds and is attached to the sheriff's office, and the Sheriff W.T. Smith said the goal is to redesign the inside of the jail for much-needed office space for his staff. He also said a joint-law enforcement and county government facility under one roof would be ideal.

Meanwhile, Burnet county judge Donna Klaeger oversees the facilities and said she is open to that possibility. Howerver, she wants to make sure the existing note is paid off, which will not be done for another two years.

Remodeling the old Burnet County jail may be an expense that may not be the best idea in an economic era where money is sparse for the county.