BENTON COUNTY, ARKANSAS, Ark. — At a May 21 Benton County quorum court meeting Judge Barry Moehring and Sheriff Shawn Holloway proposed an increase in sales tax to combat potential jail overcrowding in both the adult and juvenile detention centers.
Moehring said the most significant problem at the jail is that it's just simply not large enough for the growing population.
"I think it's important to distinguish that our issue is related to growth, not an increase in crime," said Moehring. "We live in a safe, prosperous community with a relatively low crime rate, and we want to keep it that way."
As of May 22, there are 699 inmates at the Benton County jail, with a capacity of 669.
When asked about funding for an expansion, Moehring said they had discussed a tax increase of an eighth of a cent. "That increase would raise about $12 million per year, and a quarter-cent increase would raise about $24 million ... voters ultimately get to decide."
Those solutions include expanding the jail's medical and mental health resources (with construction for one project starting in the fall) making a "misdemeanor pod," and planning a long-term jail expansion.
Judge Moehring plans to develop a stream of revenue to support a larger jail, but the current budget does not support an expansion. However, the county does have $20 Million set aside in capital funds to build the misdemeanor pod but would need an additional $6 million.
On top of that, the judge proposed the idea of expanding the juvenile detention center with an estimated cost of $2.5 Million dollars. Right now, the juvenile center is at 25% capacity.
"We never want to be at 25%. We want to be at a lower capacity so we can keep those populations segregated, we have to keep boys separated from girls, we have more violent offenders ... The expansion would be for 12 more beds in eight spaces, plus a day room," Moehring said.
To adjust the countywide sales tax, the county judge has to get approval from the quorum court and other county jurisdictions, such as 19 mayors and city councils.
After that, the quorum court will set a special election date and ultimately voters have the final say.
For more information on the proposed Benton County Jail update click here.
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