We got it!!!!!!! Jail bond passes by 2-1 margin

YAY!!!

Published on May 11, 2005 By Nebraskawoman In Current Events

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 }

Comments

Evorg

on May 11, 2005

That's good news!

It's not going to be built near Ogallala is it? Maybe not that's in Keith County.

Anyway I'm glad you get a new facility.

Danny Bassette

on May 11, 2005

Yeah you

Sounds like good job security too

Dr Guy

on May 11, 2005

Too bad about the TVs tho. I am not sure Mason will come for just those 12 inchers. But of course with Hurricane season almost upon him, he may follow Hurricane Rule #1: Move to Nebraska!

Nebraskawoman

on May 11, 2005

That's good news!

It's not going to be built near Ogallala is it? Maybe not that's in Keith County.

Anyway I'm glad you get a new facility.

Thanks, Evorg. Nope, we are in Scotts Bluff County. It's about 30 minutes from the Wyo/Neb line. Although, we are holding a few of Keith County's inmates for them.

Yeah you Sounds like good job security too

Yeah, This will be great because they will have to start getting us more staff too. I'm tired of us being short-staffed all the time.

Too bad about the TVs tho. I am not sure Mason will come for just those 12 inchers. But of course with Hurricane season almost upon him, he may follow Hurricane Rule #1: Move to Nebraska!

I'll make room for him if he does. I don't know how yall can handle those hurricanes. I'll take our tornados over them anyday.

MasonM

on May 11, 2005

Congrats

But of course with Hurricane season almost upon him, he may follow Hurricane Rule #1: Move to Nebraska!

No, hurricane rule #1 is "Throw a Party." Rule #2 is "Move to Nebraska"

I'll take our tornados over them anyday.

Not me, at least with hurricanes I get a week or so of notice. Besides, it's just a little wind and rain.

Nebraskawoman

on May 11, 2005

Not me, at least with hurricanes I get a week or so of notice. Besides, it's just a little wind and rain.

Yeah but your hurricanes causes floods and mudslides and what not. Our tornados only last at most {in very extreme cases} a couple hours. We get plenty of warning most of the time. First is the Tornado watch then the Tornado warning if one has been spotted. {I'm a weather spotter so I get to go out and watch for tornados.I'm strange I know but it is fun.} Plus we don't have to spend all that money on plywood to board up our houses. You just hit the basement and hope that it doesn't come too close to ya.

Dr Guy

on May 11, 2005

No, hurricane rule #1 is "Throw a Party." Rule #2 is "Move to Nebraska"

I always get them confused! Guess that is why I have only visited Nebraska, and never moved there!

Nebraskawoman

on May 11, 2005

No, hurricane rule #1 is "Throw a Party." Rule #2 is "Move to Nebraska"

I always get them confused! Guess that is why I have only visited Nebraska, and never moved there!

Well you are both welcome up here anytime.

MasonM

on May 11, 2005

Yeah but your hurricanes causes floods and mudslides and what not.

We prefer to think of them as temporary coastal relocations.

Either one can be devastating. I was in Oklahoma city following the monsterous tornado damage that took place there as well as south Florida after Andrew and the hurricanes of last year which did do some damage to my area as well.

The one natural disaster I definately want to avoid in the future is commonly referred to as "winter" in northern states.

Welcome Guest! Please take the time to register with us.
There are many great features available to you once you register, including:

Richer content, access to many features that are disabled for guests like commenting on the forums.
Access to a great community, with a massive database of many, many areas of interest.
Access to contests & subscription offers like exclusive emails.
It's simple, and FREE!