Paulding sheriff schedules jail meetings

Paulding County Sheriff’s information

PAULDING — Over the next couple of weeks, Paulding County Sheriff Jason K. Landers will be conducting town hall meetings throughout the county to seek the public’s input in regards to placing a jail operating tax levy on the November 2014 ballot.

“To reopen the jail, it will take new money,” Sheriff Landers said. “I owe it to the taxpayers to address the issue of the closed correctional facility. I hope these meetings will give me a good idea one way or the other as to how to proceed with the jail operations.”

The meetings will take place at all eight fire departments within the county.

“I feel that meeting at all fire departments will give the residents a chance to show up and listen to the facts we have, based on real numbers, as well as give their opinions in a professional manner,” said Sheriff Landers. “I do not foresee spending a lot of time revisiting the negativity of the past regarding the jail.

“The fact is, the building is built and those of us that pay taxes are still paying for it,” the sheriff explained. “We should have our own jail in Paulding County; that’s my opinion as a taxpayer and as the sheriff.  However, if the citizens disagree, I can live with that. I simply want to find out where people stand on this issue, which has been left idle for nearly six years.”

Meetings will be held at the following dates and times;

• July 17 — Auglaize Fire, 6 p.m.; and Crane Township Fire, 7:30 p.m.
• July 18 — Grover Hill Fire, 6 p.m.; and Scott Fire, 7:30 p.m.
• July 21 — Paulding Fire, 6 p.m.; and Antwerp Fire, 7:30 p.m.
• July 22 — Oakwood Fire, 6 p.m.; and Payne Fire, 7:30 p.m.

“My purpose at the conclusion of these meetings is simply to have a show of hands on how many folks want to see an operating levy on the ballot and how many don’t,” said Sheriff Landers. “I will then work with the commissioners to see what direction we should take.

“I hope to see a lot of voters show up to raise their hand either way, that’s why we are offering this eight times,” the sheriff said in conclusion.