Asotin County voters to decide on sales tax hike for new jail

sales-tax

Asotin County voters will decide on a sales tax increase to fund a new jail.

County commissioners on Monday approved a resolution to run a 3-tenths of a percent sales tax increase on the November ballot, with the revenue earmarked solely for the construction and operations of a new corrections facility.

Should voters approve the measure, the cities of Asotin and Clarkston would turn over their shares of the additional tax revenue to the county jail project. Interlocal agreements with both entities were unanimously approved in July.

An advisory panel of law enforcement officers, elected officials, and citizens has been meeting the last several month to determine the best options for the overcrowded and outdated jail. The group’s recommendation calls for new construction due to the lack of space for expansion at the current site.

While the exact site of the new jail has yet to be determined, the new facility would house some 145 beds on county-owned property, possibly near Evans Road and the Asotin County Regional Landfill. A Florida-based architectural consultant has been chosen to help with concept designs, site location, and promotional activities. (Lewiston Tribune)

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