Bill parents for extra cost of incarcerating juveniles

Can we continue with the current juvenile detention facility? No, it is out of compliance with state mandated requirements.

Should we approve another onerous property tax levy to build a new one? No there is a more equitable way.

The responsibility and liability for juvenile delinquents rests not with the public and even less with a segment of the public, property owners. This responsibility and liability rests solidly with the parents of these delinquents.

Therefore the financial burden for their incarceration should be levied against  the parents just as the costs resulting from any damages their juvenile delinquents do are.

Kootenai County has a juvenile detention facility meeting state requirements which can accept more inmates. Yes in the long haul it will cost more than to send delinquents there than having a facility here but so what if those responsible for their social transgressions are justifiably paying the penalty.

So send Bonner County juveniles sentenced to detention to Kootenai County. Levy fines against the parents of these juveniles covering the costs of incarceration, administration, transportation, etc. Back up these fines with attachment of parents wages, financial accounts, and properties if necessary.

Put the cost burden for juvenile delinquent incarceration where it belongs with their parents, not with the public or worse yet with one segment of the public, property owners.  Maybe this will even encourage parents to pay more attention to their juveniles and they will be less likely to be repeaters.

PHIL POUTRÉ

Cocolalla