Jefferson County to vote on new jail levy in November

Jefferson County residents will be voting on a new, larger jail operations levy, as the current levy is set to expire next June 30, and a neighboring county’s new jail will mean less revenue.

Sheriff Jim Adkins told NewsChannel 21 on Thursday that because Crook County is building its own jail, his office will lose the rental income that was paid into their budget for operational costs.

Adkins is asking voters to support a new five-year jail operating levy. Property owners would pay $1.70 per $1,000 of assessed value, an increase of 46 cents per $1,000.

Homes assessed at $100,000 would pay $46 more each year. Those assessed at $200,000 will pay $92 more each year, and those assessed at $300,000 will pay $138 more a year.

Adkins said the levy will generate a total of $14.8 million over five years. He said the new levy will maintain jail operations for that timeframe.

Adkins said the jail is at minimum staffing now and the new levy only would keep the current staff levels. He said he doesn’t plan on increasing staff.

He said the jail has trimmed costs on everything from inmates’ food to operational costs.

Adkins said the levy will keep criminals behind bars and hold them accountable for the crimes they committed.

According to the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, if the levy doesn’t pass in November, the jail’s operating budget would be reduced by 45 percent, resulting in staff cuts, fewer housed inmates and implementation of an early release of inmates for certain crimes, known as “matrixing.”

Adkins said he wants to hear from the public and encourages them to reach out to him by email or give him a call 541-771-9747

The general election is on November 6.