Paulding County seeks levy to fund jail

VW independent/submitted information

PAULDING — Paulding County officials have decided the time is right to place a levy on the November 8 general election ballot to operate and maintain the county jail.

The Paulding County Board of Commissioners, along with Sheriff Jason K. Landers, decided to place a 1.35-mill levy in front of the voters this November.

“Over the past three and a half years I have spent a considerable amount of time conversing with the commissioners regarding our jail,” said Sheriff Landers. “Our costs have increased drastically due to a multitude of reasons, with a higher incarceration rate and operational costs being two key factors.”

The levy would generate $613,350 at 100 percent paid taxes. The language will be worded to collect taxes immediately in 2017.

“The sooner we can get dollars coming in, the sooner I can hire corrections officers for training,” the sheriff added. “We have an option to end our MOU (memorandum of understanding) with Putnam County if we reopen the jail.

The sheriff noted that Paulding County is currently paying $81,250 a quarter to Putnam County, adding that, if the local jail can be operational by September of next year, the final payment of $81,250 will remain where it should be — in Paulding County.

“My staff has analyzed the numbers to operate the jail,” Sheriff Landers added. “We must estimate what this facility will cost to operate at full staff in the fifth and sixth years, providing a carryover in the first years of the levy for unexpected expenses and the jail’s future.

The sheriff added that he has listened to county residents since being elected sheriff, and he believes it is the time to move forward with making the jail operational.

“I am well aware there are folks who do not wish to see this building operational,” Sheriff Landers said. “I know there are folks against an additional tax for various reasons, but I also believe I have to put the numbers out there, educate the public, and let the voting public have one more chance to address this issue.

“When I ran for this office, I told people I would do my homework and, when the time is right, I would get this thing on the ballot,” the sheriff noted. “Now is that time.”

A series of informational meetings will be held in Paulding County as the fall election nears, while the sheriff’s office staff is always willing to provide a tour of the building for those with an interest in seeing how their tax dollars are being spent.