02-16-1999 - Laserfiche WebLink

Commission Minutes--February 16, 1999 1942 Discussion then resumed on proposed financing methods and the ballot question. Commissioners reiterated that telephone calls they have received from county residents have been in favor of the sales tax rather than property tax option and quite a number of them favor the 1 % sales tax for two years. However, area retailers in the county expressed concern about the impact of an additional sales tax. Mrs. Schneider favored a 1/4% sales tax for eight years because of concern for the retailers, but she was willing to compromise at one-half percent for half the number of years. MOTION, passed Mr. Meyer moved and Mrs. Schneider seconded to adopt Resolution #1999-4 as follows. Discussion: This resolution calls for Cass County to explore the one-half percent sales tax for a four-year period to raise money for a new jail. Mr. Wieland expressly stated that, if approved, the one-half percent sales tax will extend for a period of four years from and after October 1,1999 and will end on September 30,2003. On roll call vote, motion carried unanimously. RESOLUTION #1999-4 WHEREAS, The Cass County Board of Commissioners has determined the need for a new jail; and WHEREAS, The County Commissioners, through committee structure and professional consultants, have determined the current jail has reached its bed capacity limitations and is physically deteriorating, has serious functional and security problems, has insufficient cells for medical/mental/disciplinary risks, and is non- compliant with the Americans With Disabilities Act; and WHEREAS, Cass County and the metropolitan area are growing in population, and reported offenses in the county have increased 99% in the last decade and inmate population has increased by 148% since 1989; and WHEREAS, Discussions with local criminal justice officials report an increase in more serious crimes, more law enforcement officers and better techniques, more mandatory sentences, increased emphasis on DU I and domestic violence offenses, and more resistive and violent behavior in the jail population; and WHEREAS, Cass County has a home rule charter under which it has the ability to adopt a resolution which is defined as an "enactment by the board of county commissioners or the people which defines policy or procedures governing the actions of persons or bodies for a limited period of time;" and WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners, under its charter, may on its own motion submit any question to the electorate for a vote of the people and the electorate must approve that action by a majority vote of the electors voting. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Board of Commissioners elects to proceed with the building of a new jail to be located in Cass County with an initial 256-bed capacity and