Budget board asks for clearer direction on county jail funding plan

Budget Board members on Jan. 2 voted to request clarification from the Board of County Commissioners about what the Budget Board should study or recommend on the county’s plan to build a new jail.

The discussion ranged from whether the board’s role was to identify internal savings to contribute to a jail fund, to whether the commissioners would pursue a sales tax, ad valorem (property tax) increase, bonds, or public-private partnerships (P3). Members repeatedly said the central question — and the main obstacle to advancing plans — is how the county would pay annual debt service if a new facility is built.

One member summarized the options discussed in prior presentations: “You slash your budget by a third in order to fund P3, you go out and ask for an ad valorem increase, or we go out and get a sales tax, if possible.” Another member emphasized that earlier presentations and proposals exist in the public record and suggested the board should first determine what commissioners want the board to examine before doing substantive staff work.

After discussion, a motion that the Budget Board ask the commissioners for specific clarification about what the board should study and report passed by voice vote (ayes have it). Board members said they will await that clarification and, if asked, help identify potential internal savings or options for funding a facility.