Bannock County decides to move forward with jail expansion; will be on May ballot

Bannock County commissioners met with the volunteer jail advisory board Wednesday to determine if plans for the county jail expansion should move forward.

Board members presented the results of their research and meetings to the commissioners Wednesday morning.

The board presented the commissioners with two possible options for expansion. One option was for a 260-bed expansion, costing roughly $18 million. The second option was for 160 beds, costing about $14.5 million.

The county commissioners voted to approve option one.

The commissioners also decided to put the jail expansion bond proposal on May ballots for the public to vote on.

In order for the bond to pass, it will need two-thirds of the public’s vote.

Bannock County Sheriff Lorin Nielsen said he’s very excited that the commissioners approved their plans and are moving forward.

Nielsen said he knows it’s still got to be approved by the public, but he said this is a great first step and he trusts the public’s vote.

“We’re very proud of our community, proud of the way government works and now it’s up to the people to make that decision,” said Nielsen. “I hope we can be available to them and be able to answer some of their concerns if they have any, so that they can make a very informed decision.”

Nielsen said he understands there will be some hesitation from the public.

“I know there are people that say they support this but can’t afford it, and I understand that,” said Nielsen. “The state has said that the only way local government is financed is through property taxes. Would it be better and even fair to have other forms of taxes because some of the people that are in my jail committed crimes here, but they’re not from here.”

If the bond fails in May, the committee will look at why before deciding whether or not to put it back on the November ballot.