Outdated facility costing the county's taxpayers

The current juvenile detention facility is an old house that has been remodeled and added to over the years. It is currently in need of maintenance, including a new roof, and is inadequate to serve an ever-growing Bonner County. This Model T is never going to become the SUV that is needed.

A spacious, well-thought-out detention facility would provide security for personnel and juveniles, rooms for classes and counseling, and space to grow. Currently  when more juveniles must be house than is legally allowed, or one is deemed a security threat, they must be driven to the regional detention facility in Coeur d'Alene and housed at a cost of $145 per day per person. This is in addition to the cost of gasoline for a minimum of two round trips.

Several issues need to be clarified:

1) The proposed detention facility and the sheriff's work release center are two separate and independent projects. Approval of the detention does not involve the work center.

2) There is no necessity for a public vote because the public is not being asked to finance the project. A finance package has been created that does not require an increase in taxes.

3) No one is trying to pull a fast one on the public. Several public hearings were held, and a judicial hearing has been scheduled to determine if the proposed financing meets the required criteria of the Idaho State Commission.

The new juvenile detention facility will be a much-needed county resource that did not cost county taxpayers a dime.

ANNA BATES

Sandpoint