As the new fiscal year begins, the Oklahoma County Budget Board is facing a financial crisis at the county jail, responding Tuesday to a reported budget shortfall of more than $5 million.
Despite the jail receiving the largest share of the county’s $130 million budget — more than $33.7 million from the county’s general fund — officials say it’s still not enough to cover rising operating costs.
Oklahoma County Treasurer Butch Freeman raised concerns during the meeting, questioning a report from the Criminal Justice Authority that projects a $5.8 million deficit at the Oklahoma County Detention Center…