'No' on jail bond, 'yes' on matching bonds for schools

Two key measures, one local and one statewide, are on the May 18 ballot.

Measure 9-77 is a $44 million bond to expand and remodel the Deschutes County Jail.

In light of the largely unused prison outside Madras, there is no reason to expand the local jail. (See previous post).

Naturally, the state says it won't let Deschutes County rent out space at Deer Ridge Correctional Institution because of prohibitive startup costs to the county. Yet, the state has worked with various counties over the years to take in their inmates. It should do so here. In fact, Deer Ridge should be the regional facility for the greater Central Oregon area. That is where a coordinated regional effort is needed now for when population and crime start to rise to unsustainable heights at the county level.

Still, the case hasn't been made that we must now further tax local property owners for a hypothetical need. The measure's description says it will tack on about $36 dollars a year on a home valued at $200,000.

The real estate boom and resultant population growth are over. Violent crime is declining as a result. The county has a Work Center in addition to the jail, but only about half of the 90 beds are used. That number was down to a third in December. Use what we have.

The Deschutes County sheriff's office, which runs the jail, is always trying to expand its empire but never shows much support for local school bond measures. This lack of support is another reason to reject the jail bond measure. Until the sheriff's office realizes that investing in education is a well-known crime deterrent, vote "no" on its grandiose jail plans.

For those non-voters out there, this money measure on the Primary Ballot is NOT subject to double majority voting. This means that the jail bond measure doesn't need more than a 50 percent voter turnout. It just needs more than 50 percent voting "yes." Primaries in Deschutes County rarely break the 50 percent threshold in off-presidential years. So, those who think if they don't vote that it gives them double the clout, forget it.

Vote and vote "no."

The statewide Measure 68 is a no-brainer. It "allows the state to issue bonds to match voter approved school district bonds for school capital costs. 'Yes' vote allows the state to issue bonds to match voter-approved school district bonds for school capital costs. Dedicates lottery

funds for matching funds and repayment."

A key note here is the fact that the state's matching bond includes "costs for acquisition, construction, repair and improvement, but not routine maintenance or supplies."

But, desks and bookcases are covered.

Also, it's not for operating expenses.

This measure was referred by the Democratic-controlled Legislature. It has no direct effect on property taxes or any other taxes.

It could mean, though, that school districts could ask local voters for half of what is truly needed because the state could issue matching bonds. To think that we would need a state Constitutional amendment for this is mind-boggling.

This is an easy "yes" vote. It will reduce local property taxes in the long run.