Juvenile Detention project is necessary

We're all on edge when it comes to increased taxes but there's a good project in the planning that won't require us to ante up.

Juvenile Detention is located in the 'brown house' south of the fairgrounds. The house has been a reasonable solution to date but has outgrown its size and function. I was struck with a recent tour of the facility on a number of points.

1. The staff has the kids' best interest in mind and are working proactively to help them avoid a future visit to the Bonner County Jail.

2. The kids are treated with respect, dignity and love. They are given learning opportunities in trades, education and family dynamics.

3. It is being operated with admiral efficiency even within the dysfunctional limits of the facility.

4. The facility has many significant pitfalls. Safety, capacity and functionality.

5. Bonner County is paying more than $211,000 annually to send overflow to Kootenai County.

6. At any given moment the facility could be shut down due to its pitfalls which would cost county taxpayers upward of $800,000 annually to house and transport all juveniles to Kootenai.

Bonner County Juvenile Probation Office staff propose a redesign that will:

1. Meet current and future needs.

2. Save the $211,000-plus we're paying to Kootenai County.

3. Enable us to serve surrounding counties by housing their overflow, which increases our revenue.

' 4. Do all this and more without raising taxes.

A public meeting on the project is 9:30 a.m., June 23, at the courthouse. Attend the meeting and voice your support or write a letter to the judge or county commissioners and tell them of your support.

DON HELANDER

Sandpoint