We got it!!!!!!! Jail bond passes by 2-1 margin
YAY!!!
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05/11/2005
Jail bond passes by 2-1 margin
By: Kay Grote , Regional Reporter
The bond issue to allow the county to construct a new $12 million jail facility passed Tuesday by a more than 2 to 1 margin. The unofficial tally announced by County Clerk Vera Dulaney at 9 p.m. Tuesday was 2,596 in favor and 1,173 against.
Despite a light 17 percent voter turnout, county officials were pleased with the election's outcome, which represented a two-year effort to educate the public about the challenges facing the current county jail and juvenile detention center in Gering.
"What's encouraging is it was a decisive vote," said county commissioner Mike Marker. "Hopefully this shows that an overwhelming majority of the voters supported the issue and realized this was what in the best interest of the county."
According to the proposition, the new 174-bed jail could require as much as a six-cent increase in the mill levy the first year. However, county board chairman Mark Masterton said revenue generated from holding adult and juvenile inmates for the U.S. Marshal's Service in the new facility is expected to cover operational expenses of the new jail and save the county hundreds of thousands of dollars annually as they pay off the debt over the next twenty years.
The commissioners said they realized that many of the county's residents were hesitant about an added tax, but are now confident that residents also recognized and honored one of the county's needs.
Commissioner Steve Stratton, who represents the western portion of Scotts Bluff County and a large number of rural residents, said he appreciated their input on the issue.
"I know many of them weren't overly enthused about spending the money, but they realized that the chance of future liability could far outweigh the cost of a new jail," he said. "This was the best all around solution. And I think the timing was right."
County officials also credited the effort that has been put forth by the jail planning committee, community and civic leaders and the media to get information out about the jail issue.
"This county board has been absolutely wonderful to work with," said jail project coordinator Sgt. Patricia Miller. "They have been aggressive and forward thinking and very open with the public."
Dulaney said the election turnout itself was disappointing, but she did thank those who did go to the polls to voice the opinion either for or again the new jail. Star-Herald reporter Rick Myers said several Tuesday morning voters in Gering were casting their votes against the issue.
"I just don't see how they are going to do it," one woman said.
One woman said she voted against the new jail because she remembered when the original jail was constructed that officials said a third story could be built when the need arose.
"It's something we need," said a voter after he left the polls.
Several people contacted during the day said they weren't sure whether they would vote. "Is today election day?" one said.
The commissioners will now proceed with the process of selecting one of two Gering sites to build the new jail. At the May 16 regular meeting, Miller said the commissioners would be selecting a consultant and architect, and begin the preliminary planning for design. The current county jail facilities will continue to house county inmates for at least another 18 months until the new jail can be completed.
Article taken from Scottsbluff Starherald {Link }
Jail bond passes by 2-1 margin
By: Kay Grote , Regional Reporter
The bond issue to allow the county to construct a new $12 million jail facility passed Tuesday by a more than 2 to 1 margin. The unofficial tally announced by County Clerk Vera Dulaney at 9 p.m. Tuesday was 2,596 in favor and 1,173 against.
Despite a light 17 percent voter turnout, county officials were pleased with the election's outcome, which represented a two-year effort to educate the public about the challenges facing the current county jail and juvenile detention center in Gering.
"What's encouraging is it was a decisive vote," said county commissioner Mike Marker. "Hopefully this shows that an overwhelming majority of the voters supported the issue and realized this was what in the best interest of the county."
According to the proposition, the new 174-bed jail could require as much as a six-cent increase in the mill levy the first year. However, county board chairman Mark Masterton said revenue generated from holding adult and juvenile inmates for the U.S. Marshal's Service in the new facility is expected to cover operational expenses of the new jail and save the county hundreds of thousands of dollars annually as they pay off the debt over the next twenty years.
The commissioners said they realized that many of the county's residents were hesitant about an added tax, but are now confident that residents also recognized and honored one of the county's needs.
Commissioner Steve Stratton, who represents the western portion of Scotts Bluff County and a large number of rural residents, said he appreciated their input on the issue.
"I know many of them weren't overly enthused about spending the money, but they realized that the chance of future liability could far outweigh the cost of a new jail," he said. "This was the best all around solution. And I think the timing was right."
County officials also credited the effort that has been put forth by the jail planning committee, community and civic leaders and the media to get information out about the jail issue.
"This county board has been absolutely wonderful to work with," said jail project coordinator Sgt. Patricia Miller. "They have been aggressive and forward thinking and very open with the public."
Dulaney said the election turnout itself was disappointing, but she did thank those who did go to the polls to voice the opinion either for or again the new jail. Star-Herald reporter Rick Myers said several Tuesday morning voters in Gering were casting their votes against the issue.
"I just don't see how they are going to do it," one woman said.
One woman said she voted against the new jail because she remembered when the original jail was constructed that officials said a third story could be built when the need arose.
"It's something we need," said a voter after he left the polls.
Several people contacted during the day said they weren't sure whether they would vote. "Is today election day?" one said.
The commissioners will now proceed with the process of selecting one of two Gering sites to build the new jail. At the May 16 regular meeting, Miller said the commissioners would be selecting a consultant and architect, and begin the preliminary planning for design. The current county jail facilities will continue to house county inmates for at least another 18 months until the new jail can be completed.
Article taken from Scottsbluff Starherald {Link }
Sounds like good job security too 
