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Special election measure for proposed Walsh County jail failed; county to review options for sales-tax revenue and funds
Summary
A special election measure to fund a proposed jail did not pass; county officials said they will canvass mail-in ballots, consult the state’s attorney and meet with the Sanders Group to identify options for using sales-tax revenue toward a jail or sheriff's office.
Officials told the Walsh County Commission on May 20 that the special election measures proposed to fund a combined jail and sheriff’s office did not pass both measures required for voter approval.
A county official summarized the status: while the ballot measures failed, the county believes it may still be able to use sales-tax revenue if the funds are spent for the stated purpose — constructing a jail and/or sheriff’s office — but the state's attorney is researching the legal specifics. The county will hold a wrap-up meeting with the Sanders Group, the firm that advised on the ballot measures, after official canvassing results are finalized.
Commission staff said the official canvass will include the recorder, the chair of the commission and the auditor; the county noted it received a number of mail-in ballots postmarked after election day and referenced about 50 contested mail ballots that were part of the canvassing process. Officials said the wrap-up meeting with the Sanders Group is scheduled after canvassing to discuss available options for funds the county holds.
No immediate policy decision was made at the meeting; staff said they will return with options and legal guidance once the state’s attorney’s review and the Sanders Group meeting are complete.
