Would you pay to keep criminals in jail?
By Denae D'Arcy KVAL NewsEUGENE, Ore. -- During the Lane County budget public hearing Tuesday night, Kerry Fuerguson asked the commissioners, "How many of us have to be raped and robbed before you listen?" She wants the county to take the stimulus money allotted by the Federal Government for public safety and use it to fund 84 more jail beds. So far, commissioners have put the money in reserve for the future. They argue, opening more jail beds now will put Lane County in a deficit in 2013. Fuerguson said she has been assaulted and feels passionate about keeping violent criminals behind bars. "Having to have them let out of the jail and let them do it again because someone sitting in there is worried about three years down the line?" she said, looking back at the commission. "Guys you've got to get it together here!" District Attorney Alex Gardner and Lane County Sheriff Russ Burger attended the public hearing. Burger said the money should be used for public safety. "My job is to advocate for more public safety funding," he said, "and I definitely support some type of long tern solution." One of the commissioners followed up on that statement by asking Burger for examples of revenue sources. He suggested a local option levy that could be put on the ballot in November. Ultimately, that means the taxpayers would have to pay more taxes to keep more criminals behind bars. The commissioners outlined the next 10 years of county operating budgets using a slide show. The slides show big, red bars going downward beginning in the year 2013 to represent a deficit. Members of the budget committee pointed out they aren't opposed to opening more jail beds, they just worry that using the money now will put Lane County in a worse position in the future. Not all citizens want to see the jail beds open. Some testified in favor of fiscal constraint. County commissioners will approve a new budget on June 24. The new fiscal year begins July 1. |
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