For years, the Jackson County Sheriff has been lobbying for a new, larger jail. The county commissioners voted Wednesday to put that question to the voters this spring.
Supporters of the proposal say the current jail -- built in1981 – is outdated and too small. The county estimates more than 7,000 low-level offenders are released each year because of overcrowding.
Opponents say the jail levy – which would raise about $512 million over 20 years -- is too expensive. Others say more funding for mental health and addiction services would decrease the need for a larger jail
Commissioner Rick Dyer acknowledged the opposing arguments.
"I believe all of this does create a compelling need to allow Jackson County residents to have the opportunity to weigh in on this issue, and determine for themselves whether they feel the benefit is worth the cost to them," he said.
Dyer and Commissioner Bob Strosser voted to put the jail taxing district on the May 19th primary ballot. Commissioner Colleen Roberts voted no.
Roberts said the new levy would be too much of a burden on taxpayers.
"It’s the main concern I hear from my constituents, people on low incomes, fixed incomes," she said. "And when they have that increased property tax forever, it makes it pretty unaffordable to live here. And that concerns me."
If the measure passes, the average homeowner in Jackson County would pay about $170 more each year.
In the two public hearings held before the county commission, large majorities of those who spoke opposed the jail levy.
Residents of Talent won’t be voting on the question; the Talent city council is the only one in Jackson County that voted not to join the district.
