Voters in Union County to decide on $200M jail bond referendum in November

Escape FILE PHOTO: Officials said that 10 inmates were able to escape because of help from a jail maintenance worker. (Iurii Gagarin - stock.adobe.com)

By Gina Esposito

UNION COUNTY, N.C. — Union County leaders voted in favor of placing a $200 bond referendum on November’s ballot to fund a new detention center.

[ ALSO READ: Union County crime lab’s crucial role in putting criminals behind bars quicker ]

The Union County Board of Commissioners opted for the option to build a 500-bed jail with a 600-bed core and the reuse of the Union County Sheriff’s Office administration building.

The current jail was built in 1992 and has a max capacity of 264.