Attendees trickled through both the sheriff’s office and judicial building Thursday evening during the first of two forums being held in preparation for the April 4 election. The event was hosted to inform residents of the need for a new jail as part of their consideration of whether or not to pass two proposed half-cent sales taxes to construct and operate a new facility.
Among those undecided of how they’d vote walking in Thursday, were Dakota Shaw and Kristin Statler.
“I think we need a new jail, but I just don’t know if I can support paying any more in taxes,” Shaw said prior to his tour.
Statler agreed.
“I’m not sure how I’ll vote right now,” she said.
Leading groups through the sheriff’s office during the tour was Sergeant Leonard Pabin.
“The key issue is officer safety and the safety of everyone in here,” Pabin said while pointing out several areas of concern. “Right now, we can’t see into the cells because of the metal doors, so we have no idea what’s waiting for us on the other side when we have to go in. At new facilities they have glass doors and cameras, which is much safer. It also helps with prosecution. If a law is broken by an inmate while they’re here we have trouble prosecuting that, because we just don’t have the evidence.”
Pabin also said a new jail would also have higher ceilings which would prevent inmates from breaking into light fixtures.
“Make sure you vote,” Pabin said. “When you vote you help solve problems, and this is one of our community’s biggest problems.”
By the end of the tour, both Shaw and Statler pledged their support for voting in the taxes to build and operate a new jail.
“I think we really need it,” Shaw said. “Taxes going up is worrying, but I’m willing to pay if that’s what we need to do.”
Statler was visibly shaken by the tour.
“Something needs to be done; there’s too many people stuffed in there,” Statler said after seeing the women’s cell. “It’s scary. I will vote for the new taxes.”
Also attending the forum, were all three Dent County commissioners, Shrive-Hattery Architect Steve Davis and officials from the project’s bond underwriter, LJ Hart.
“I’m glad everyone came to learn more, I hope the tour was a real eye opener,” presiding commissioner Darrell Skiles said. “A lot of the people I’ve talked to say they’ve already decided we need a new jail. If anyone has any questions or doubts, I hope they’ll come when we do this again in a couple weeks.”
A second forum will be held 6-8 p.m. March 30 at the Dent County Judicial Building. Attendees will be able to learn more about the current situation at the jail and speak directly with deputies on the issue.
The two proposed half-cent sales taxes to construct and build a new jail will be appearing on the April 4 ballot. Proposition One, which has a 21-year sunset, is for the construction of the new 84-bed facility. Proposition Two would be ongoing to fund the continuing operating costs of the new jail. Both measures will have to pass in order for the new jail project to move forward.
