Just say no to yet another onerous tax

Thirty-two bed facility costs $6,600,000. That’s $206,250/bed. — more than many property owner’s houses, who are asked to foot the bill; probably more per bed than Pelican Bay Super Max Prison.

It is $2,800,000 for design, engineering, project management — 46.6 percent of total. Appears way out of proportion. Why reinvent the wheel? Copy existing similar capacity state-approved juvenile jail.

Should be “bare bones” meeting state minimum requirements, unpleasant place, experience delinquents wont want to repeat. Example of their future unless they change. Appears planned as a “country club.”

Perhaps extra hidden funding for projects where county wants to circumvent voters as previous;ly tried  pushing this project through without a vote until stopped by a judge.

Less costly, more equitable, funding options ignored. Taking “easy way” soaking property owners. Temporary sales tax increase would spread burden to everyone. Previous private company proposal to build/operate juvenile jail taking in resident and non resident inmates at no cost to Bonner County.

Current sheriff against project when running for office. Haven’t seen any endorsement from him. Tells one something.

Question is not of need. Need bad kids jail meeting minimum state requirements. Question is funding it in most cost effective,equitable manner. Property tax levy is not the way.

Get out Aug 4 to vote. Just say no to another onerous property tax. Force a more cost effective, equitable approach.

We are still in worst recession since the Great Depression. Probably will be at least another year.

PHIL POUTRE

Cocolalla