Clark County voters will decide on a $366M bond and a levy lid lift to fund jail, courts, and sheriff needs. The Clark County Council voted to approve two resolutions for submittal of two propositions to voters related to funding critical infrastructure needs and criminal justice services.
Proposed Bond and Levy Lid Lift
The bond measure would pay for capital expenses, while the levy lid lift would provide revenue to fund associated public safety positions, including correction deputies, sheriff deputies, prosecuting attorney staff, and other criminal justice staff. The proposal is to increase the tax levy to $0.04 per $1,000 of assessed value beginning in 2027.
County staff have engaged with community stakeholders and outside consultants over the past several years, reviewing current facilities and services to determine current and future public safety needs. The law and justice system is a system where all parts need to function to be successful, including a jail, law enforcement, courts, prosecution, and others.
The Clark County Jail was built in the 1980s, and much has changed in the last 40 years, including a significant increase in the county’s population. The current structure and layout of the main jail need to be updated to accommodate current and future needs.
Original reporting: Clark County Today (Vancouver WA) — read the source article.
