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Finance committee backs forming commission and drafting ballot question for penny sales tax to fund detention center
Summary
The committee voted to authorize staff to form a citizens commission and prepare a ballot question for a one-cent capital penny sales tax to help fund a proposed $45 million Chesterfield County detention center; members discussed alternatives, design and cost-accuracy needs, an education campaign, and ballot timing requirements (question must be finalized for elections by Aug. 15).
The finance committee voted to recommend that full council authorize staff to form a citizens commission and begin preparing a ballot question to let voters decide whether to allow a one-cent capital penny sales tax and borrow against it to fund a proposed detention center.
Staff presented scenarios that estimate a $45 million facility could be financed under a penny sales tax and existing debt structure without raising millage, with the penny sales tax scenario paying debt off in about eight years; a $50 million scenario would extend required payments beyond year eight. The committee heard staff caution that the $45 million figure is currently a planning estimate and that design and architect work are the next steps to get a hard cost.
A committee member urged clarity for voters on the ballot language so residents understand that the question concerns funding mechanism, not permission to build. Committee members also emphasized a robust public-education campaign and town halls if the referendum moves forward. Staff noted the commission must prepare a ballot question for three council readings and that the question needs to be certified to the elections commission by Aug. 15 to appear on the ballot.
During discussion one member said, "I don't think we have a choice," reflecting the sentiment among some members that the county faces substantial liability from current jail conditions and must address the issue. The motion to authorize staff to form the commission and proceed with the penny-sales-tax process was made, seconded and approved by voice vote.
Next steps: staff will assemble the citizens commission, begin drafting ballot language with county attorney and elections staff, develop an outreach and education plan, and pursue architect/design estimates to firm up project scope and cost.
