Several years ago the jail levy was up for a renewal vote and it failed. After a second rejection, the newly remodeled county lockup was closed, shipping many jobs and prisoners to other counties.
Recently, the idea to resurrect the facility has come about for several reasons including people asking why it’s not open. Paulding County Sheriff, Jason Landers, wants to know, “Do you, the taxpayers, want the jail reopened?”
Some have thought he’s forcing the idea upon the people. If you have been to any of the presentations at the fire stations in the townships, you will see and hear the pros and cons of the county, once again, having its own incarceration system.
The idea of the county handling more of the inmates is not new. From talking to the people at the meetings, many are for it, but they would like to know more.
Sheriff Landers is also offering to speak to anyone about this or if you want to remain anonymous, please use the link on the website that the office has set up for tips.
A quick rundown:
• Taxes would go up a little. He specifically gave the figure that his house would go up around $30 a year or about going out to eat once with his sons. The amount would vary based upon the value of the property, like all taxes.
• The benefits would include but not be limited to: Adding good jobs to Paulding County; less traveling expenses and wear and tear on vehicles for transportation of inmates; the jail would be used instead of sitting idle; families/friends/pastors visiting would not have to travel near as far.
• The idea is similar to Vantage. A school like Vantage brings benefits to Van Wert County by having money and students coming in from other areas. Teachers and staff are paid and spend money in Van Wert and it benefits the whole community in multiple ways while other county schools send money to Van Wert.
Scott resident, Lisa Clark asked, “Would the inmates paying for their stay help pay for the jail?” County Commissioner Roy Klopfenstein responded, “It would, but it’s not a guaranteed source of income. Many times the inmates are in there already without any way to pay because of their situation.”
Could the Paulding Jail bring in revenue from other counties? Yes, it could because it can hold many more prisoners than the number of incarcerations on average for the county. Should that be counted as a benefit? It shouldn’t be counted as either a + or – until it happens.
What do you think? Would you support it? Are you opposed? Jason wants to know.
