Angelina County approves funding for jail parking, tractor shelter

LUFKIN, Texas (KTRE) - Angelina County commissioners on Tuesday approved $12,000 for concrete work to add up to eight parking spaces behind the county jail and $11,250 for a covered storage area for the jail’s tractor.

Sheriff Tom Selman said transport vans parked in the employee lot will be moved behind the jail. The facility has added staff since its recent expansion, increasing the need for parking, he said.

The expansion added 225 beds, bringing the jail’s total capacity to more than 500. Selman said the jail had 427 inmates Tuesday.

Jail improvements

Selman said the projects are part of ongoing work to maintain and improve the jail. The original portion of the facility is more than 20 years old.

“We are constantly painting and doing all the things that we need to do to keep up the older portion of the facility as well as enjoying the new part that has recently opened,” Selman said.

Recent upgrades include lighting, signage and a secure area for impounded vehicles.

Tractor storage and funding

Selman said the covered storage area will protect the tractor from the weather and provide space for some ATVs. He said the new tractor has been used to clear overgrown land at the jail.

Commissioners transferred $24,000 from three other jail budget lines: $2,000 from inmate garden expenses, $12,000 from inmate housing expenses and $10,000 from inmate vehicle expenses.

“This is a long-term investment for the county,” Selman said. “It cost a lot of money and we’re charged with uh taking proper care of it. That’s what the citizens deserve and that’s what they expect out of those of us who are charged with the responsibility of taking care of county property.”