Dunklin Co. to vote on tax for jail

Daily Dunklin Democrat

KENNETT, Mo. -- Voters in Dunklin County will go to the polls on Tuesday to pass judgment on a half-cent sales tax proposition.

If voters approve the tax, the money would be used for a new county jail and judicial complex.

A new jail is needed, Sheriff Bob Holder said, because the current county jail is too small, has plumbing problems and outdated wiring and would be expensive to renovate.

Holder said if voters approve the sales tax, the county plans to use the proceeds to buy the UARCO building and renovate it for use as a county jail and judicial complex. In addition to the sheriff's office and jail, the building would house the prosecuting attorney's office, circuit court offices, a courtroom and several other offices.

The overall cost is projected at $7.5 million.

The current county jail was built around 1975. It was designed for a capacity of 52 inmates but has a population that now averages around 77 inmates daily.

Presiding Commissioner Don Collins said repayment of principal and interest for the project over a 20-year period will cost an estimated $555,000 a year. Tax money in excess of what is needed to develop the complex will be used for jail operation and other law enforcement purposes, including funds for the county juvenile office.

County officials have said the sales tax increase would add a nickel to every $10 purchase, or 50 cents on a $100 purchase.

The county commission has agreed to reduce the county's 10 cents per $100 assessed valuation property tax to zero if voters approve the sales tax.