|
FOR
IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Tuesday, November 25, 2003
| Contact: |
Cathy Wolfe, Thurston County Commission Chair, 360-786-5440 |
|
Don Krupp, Chief Administrative Officer, 360-786-5440
|
Criminal
Justice Project Bond Issue set for Spring Vote
OLYMPIA – Thurston County Commissioners have
set a May date as the ballot time for a bond issue, which would support
construction of a new Criminal Justice Center.
The countywide vote will be held on May 18th.
Commissioners had been considering a vote in
March, but commission chair Cathy Wolfe says the later date is more
appropriate. “This is a very
complex issue that many of us have been studying for three years or more.
It’s important that county residents take the time to weigh all of
the information surrounding the Criminal Justice Center before deciding how to
vote. I think it just makes sense
to wait until May 18th to give everyone time to evaluate the
proposal as completely as they can before the election is held.”
As proposed, the Criminal Justice Center would
consist of 640 jail beds, most in minimum security with an incarceration wing
of 128 maximum-security beds. There
is also room for four district and municipal courtrooms and some related
offices. The modular facility
would be constructed on an “as needed” basis with plans to accommodate the
county’s criminal justice needs to the year 2025.
The price tag for the facility is set at
$103,000,000 and the bond issue would cover $88,000,000 of that cost.
It’s estimated that the annual property tax cost for a $107,000 home
would be $86 a year.
Those who wish more information on the proposal
can contact the Thurston County Commissioners Office at 360-786-5440.
You can also visit the county web site at http://www.co.thurston.wa.us/regionaljail/
| 