Sheriff talks about what’s next for the jail bond

People turned out to the polls Tuesday night to vote.

The results left some people happy and others disappointed. One of those disappointed was Bannock County Sheriff Lorin Nielsen, after voters failed to pass the $18 million jail bond.

The proposed bond would expand the jail, adding 250 beds. It would also help cover several needed repairs.

To pass, the bond needed a two-thirds majority. Though more people voted in favor than against, it wasn’t enough to pass.

Nielsen said even though he’s disappointed, he understands it’s difficult to ask people for money.

Nielsen said he will be meeting with committee members and county commissioners to look at why the bond failed. He said he’s also already received some suggestions from the public on what they would like to see. Nielsen said they will take those things into consideration and make some changes to the bond proposal.

Nielsen said they may look at reducing the bond amount and possibly going to 150 beds instead of 250. He said once they feel they have a bond the public would be more satisfied with, they will add that to the ballots in November.

Nielsen said he just hopes the public understands overcrowding is a big problem and this bond really is necessary. He said doing nothing is not an option; the county needs to come up with sort of solution.

So Nielsen said he plans to explore all his options.

“The attitude that the prisoners deserve what they get and we don’t want one is not an option. The constitution does say we cannot go on cruel and unusual punishment. The state and the feds have standards and we have to fit those standards,” he said.

Nielsen said he’s open to any positive and productive suggestions the public may have. Anyone with a suggestion can email Nielsen at sheriff@bannockcounty.us.