Jefferson County Will Get A New Jail
By: Import User
Updated: January 7, 2009
Jefferson County voters narrowly approved a
half-cent sales tax intended to build a larger jail today.
Complete but unofficial results show the tax increase passed by
122 votes with three thousand,-185 for and three thousand,-63
against. Voters also approved a bond issue to finance construction.
Half of the tax increase will be temporary, ceasing after more
than 10 (m) million dollars in bonds are paid off. The other half
will fund jail maintenance and daily operation.
A similar proposal failed by 108 votes on May sixth.
Sheriff Boe Fontaine says people had a clearer vision of what is
going on in the community this time around.
County officials say the current 106-inmate jail is inadequate
and the high cost of renting cells elsewhere is threatening county
services. The proposed new jail will hold 400 prisoners.
