New jail project to boost Crook County property tax bills

Voters last November approved a bond measure for the new Crook County Jail, and they are now going to see their property taxes rise to pay for it.

Crook County Assessor Brian Huber said Monday the county has been certified to collect $532,000 of that bond this year.

That means property owners in Crook County could see a 4 to 5 percent increase in property taxes.

“For the jail bond, it’s going to be adjusted each year, based on how much they certify for collection for that year and how much our assessed value grows in the county,” Huber said.

Those who live in the county have mixed feelings about the increase.

Jessica Lay is a business owner and homeowner who said she believes the jail is a good thing for the community, but is not a fan of a tax hike.

“We all work really hard for our money, and to be able to own a home and pay taxes is not fun,” Lay said. “But I do see it as a really big need that we can meet here in Crook County, and we need to keep our inmates here, and that also keeps the funding here.”

Lay said keeping that funding in Crook County, instead of sending resources to Jefferson County is important.

Right now, when beds are full at the Crook County Jail, inmates are transported and kept at the Jefferson County Jail in Madras.

Crook County Sherif John Gautney said he believes it’s a great investment for the community he serves.

“I’m a taxpayer too, and I live in this community, and I have to pay that same taxes as everyone else,” Gautney said. “I don’t like having to pay more taxes, but the bottom line is we have to have the infrastructure to maintain public services here, and the jail is a major part.”

Gautney said the jail will increase the number of beds they have, cutting down on the need to send inmates elsewhere.

He also said the investment in the community will help to cut down on crime across the county.

The new jail is set to be completed by December of 2018.