Paulding County Officials have decided the time is now to place a levy on the November 8, 2016 ballot to operate and maintain the county jail. The Board of County Commissioners, along with Sheriff Jason K. Landers, agrees a 1.35 MIL levy will be placed in front of the voters.
“Over the past 3½ years I have spent a considerable amount of time conversing with the Commissioners regarding our jail,” said Sheriff Landers. “Our costs have increased drastically due to a multitude of reasons including a higher incarceration rate and operational costs being two key factors.”
The levy would generate $613,350 at 100% paid taxes. The language will be worded to collect taxes immediately in 2017.
“The sooner we can get dollars coming in, the sooner I can hire Corrections Officers for training. We have an option to end our MOU with Putnam County if we reopen the jail. We are currently paying $81,250 a quarter to Putnam County. If we can bring our facility into operation beginning September, 2017, the final payment of $81,250 will remain where it should be—in Paulding County,” said Sheriff Landers.
“My staff has analyzed the numbers to operate the jail. We must estimate what this facility will cost to operate at full staff in the fifth and sixth years, providing a carryover in the first years of the levy for unexpected expenses and the jail’s future. I have listened to citizens since being elected to this Office, and I believe this is the time to move forward. I am well aware there are folks who do not wish to see this building operational. I know there are folks against an additional tax for various reasons, but I also believe I have to put the numbers out there, educate the public and let the voting public have one more chance to address this issue. When I ran for this Office, I told people I would do my homework and when the time is right I would get this thing on the ballot. Now is that time,” said Sheriff Landers.
There will be a series of informational meetings in the county as the fall election nears. The Sheriff’s Office staff is always willing to provide a tour of the building if you have an interest in seeing how your tax dollars are being spent.
