Message-ID: <000a01c86f7c$1ee856b0$ca01a8c0@uwec7nyqnsifeg> From: "Mary Weil" <mw2085@charter.net> Subject: Fw: Jail Thoughts Date: Thu, 14 Feb 2008 20:40:26 -0600
I was asked to send this along from tonight's LT:
Ask voters about jail
How many taxpayers in Eau Claire County are aware that their
property taxes have increased because of a major expense the county has
taken on without seeking the consent of the voters through a referendum?
I am referring to the board's decision to proceed with the construction
of a new jail. The proposal is to build a new jail east of the
courthouse, extending along Ann Street, taking the properties on both
sides of Ann Street out to First Avenue - and maybe more. The estimated
cost of the building is $59.1 million. A recent land survey indicates
that pilings will have to be built to support the building, which will
certainly increase the cost. A more realistic estimate may be as high as
$100 million.
For any project more than $60 million, there must be a referendum
in which the voters can approve or disapprove of the expenditure. This
project seems to be "flying under the radar" of voter review. We may, in
fact, need a new jail, and it may have to be where it is proposed.
However, I want to see voter review of such a major expenditure. Let the
case be made in public through a referendum. Do not put this financial
burden on the taxpayers without that referendum.
I have heard that even the current estimated cost would increase
our property tax by 14 percent annually over the next 30 years. We would
not allow the school board to do this; we certainly should not allow the
County Board to do it. Let's have full disclosure and voter review
through a referendum.
NICK SMIAR