“We still need to get the jail levy passed,” Fischer said. “Right now, it’s very difficult.”
Passage of Issue 12 on Greene County ballots would tack 0.25 percent onto an existing 1-percent sales tax for up to 12 years.
The new facility would replace both the downtown jail and minimum-security adult detention center on Greene Way Boulevard, on the west side of Xenia, with a detention facility and sheriff’s offices on Greene Way.
In December, the issue was placed on the March ballot by Greene County Board of Commissioners after an $177,000 assessment showed the need for replacement of the 51-year-old downtown jail.
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The jail has been operating for more than 30 years under a federal consent decree due to overcrowding. The detention center was added in the 1990s for low-level misdemeanor offenders.
The project would consolidate the sheriff’s office and detention facilities in one location, improving efficiency, Fischer said.
In addition to COVID-19 restrictions and its effect on the county’s economy, the issue faces opposition from Greene County Citizens Against Giant Jail Tax.
The citizens, also hampered by COVID-19 concerns in continuing their campaign, agree a jail is needed but take issue with the size to be paid for - including $10 million in interest - through passage of Issue 12.
“Build Justice, Not Jails,” is the slogan on their web site, still referring to the March 17 election.
The opponents also call for better mental health, drug treatment and probation services. Fischer said the adult detention center could be refurbished for these services.
On Monday, Bomani Moyenda said the virus has also slowed their work, limiting them to emails and letters to the editor. The group did purchase an ad in the local paper, Moyenda added.
“It’s pretty much down to digital,” he said.
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The jail is in a building also housing county auditor and recorder offices, leaving the county commissioners a decision on future of these facilities.
The new jail is projected to serve the county for 50 years and allows for future expansion, if needed. Plans call for the tax hike to be eliminated once the debt had been paid off.
Criminal justice officials now have to anticipate the time after state restrictions forced reduction in jail rolls to meet state restrictions designed to avoid spreading the novel coronavrus among inmates or staff.
“They’ll be back,” Fischer said.
One sheriff’s deputy had to be hospitalized after testing positive in a case not believed to be related to the jail. Others have been tested after showing high temperatures or for associating with someone that could have come in contact with the virus.
Fischer said yard signs continue to urge voters to back Issue 12, but he was unable to get out and speak to community groups.
“Have we really actively campaigned in the last couple weeks, no,” Fischer said. “There’s nobody meeting anymore.”
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