Jail Tax

Note: Letters to the submitted to the editor of the Harrison Daily Times by Boone County Tea Party members are the opinion of the individual author only and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Boone County Tea Party as a whole.  Letters are posted here for the convenience of the general public.

December 24, 2011

Dear Editor,

Five years ago, we were asked to pass a ¼ cent sales tax to build and operate a new jail. Recently, it has come to light that those funds are not being used for anything other than making the bond payments. The remaining funds are simply amassing at a tune of more than $100k per month. When asked what will happen with that money after the jail is paid off, the only answer I’ve gleaned from some QC members is that it will be used for things above what is budgeted. To the cynical among us, that could be interpreted as a slush fund.

An amendment to the 2012 budget (which has not yet passed) is being debated on the BCCQ that will reduce the amount of General Fund dollars allocated to law enforcement with monies from the Jail Tax Fund used to help cover the costs of operation of the jail for the year. That is what those funds are supposed to do.

The county roads have been neglected for years because there was never enough money to take care of them. Our county neighbors pay taxes too and they are entitled to have their roads maintained.

Money is too tight right now to be hoarding what will eventually accumulate to more than $7 million. I encourage all citizens to call their JP and demand that they support this one year proposal. Our tax dollars should be put to work – not sat on.

Kara Staton