A representative close to the new San Mateo jail project said the cost to build the Maple Street Correctional Center could be much greater than initially believed.

The added fees would come if the county needs to issue municipal bonds in order to make up gaps in financing.  San Mateo County Sheriff Greg Munks said that the worst-case situation would have the county issuing bonds to cover full constructions costs.  The best case would involve them issuing bonds to pay for half.

Revenue bonds, such as the ones that are being proposed, do not need voter approval.

Munks said the county is trying to figure out how to pay for the $165 million facility. In 2012, they had requested $100 million in state grant funding for fiscal year 2013 but that request was denied.   Sacramento officials have indicated they have $500 in grant funds to allocate for fiscal year 2014 but has hinted that San Mateo need not waste their time in the bidding process.

Those monies, they said, are earmarked to help counties prepare for construction- not to help finish projects that have already launched.   The San Mateo jail project broke ground before getting approval from the state, and this reportedly makes the county ineligible for grant funding.

Elected officials have been lobbying hard for the legislature to make a one-time exception but these efforts have not been successful.   Munks believes the San Mateo jail project would have been eligible to receive $80 million.  He said he will continue to lobby on behalf of the county.

Local officials have said that $70 million has already come out of the general fund to help pay for construction.  Additional money is needed to bring the project through completion.   The county is considering revenue bonds but has recognized this avenue will nearly double current estimated costs.

Some have suggested the San Mateo jails project should be abandoned until a better solution can be reached.