Sheriff and commissioners discuss 0.5¢ sales‑tax option to fund public‑safety capital; staff given direction to draft ballot resolution

County project coordinator Eric Van de Bogard presented a master plan for a 60‑acre public‑safety training complex donated by CEMEX that would house a driving pad, burn tower, shooting ranges, EOC backup and additional training assets. Representatives for the sheriff’s office and fire rescue outlined capital needs ranging from body‑worn cameras to vehicle replacement, a certified firing range and a proposed mental‑health wing at the detention center. Captain John McMurdo said body‑worn camera and Taser upgrades and a driving pad are immediate training priorities.

Sheriff’s office leaders proposed placing a 0.5¢ sales‑tax referendum on the ballot for five years to fund a package of law‑enforcement capital and training needs; officials estimated about $19 million annually and roughly $95 million over five years if voters approved the measure. Commissioners discussed scope — one‑time capital for training infrastructure versus recurring items such as vehicle replacement and technology subscriptions — and emphasized voter transparency. A number of commissioners said they would prefer a short, focused public‑safety question limited to capital training needs (driving pad, range, burn tower and related site prep) rather than a broad list of recurring expenses. Staff were directed to draft a resolution and return with a ballot plan, procurement approach and estimated debt service if the board wants to pursue a referendum.