Community leaders discuss value of Bannock County jail bond
Community members gathered in Pocatello on Friday to discuss the proposed 16 million dollar Bannock County jail bond. If the bond passes on November 7th, some offenders could be sent to a crisis center instead of jail. This could prevent jail overcrowding. Some advocates in favor of the bond said this would also mean individuals who struggle with substance abuse or mental illness could get meaningful treatment. If the bond passed, a behavioral crisis center would be built in Bannock County. According to the bond website, the “40-bed, monitored facility directs individuals away from incarceration or hospitalization with a collaboration between the judicial system, law enforcement, behavioral healthcare and community-based services.”
“What I worry about is we are losing people to the cemetery everyday because they do not see a way out of it. If we can stop people from feeling like the only alternative to substance abuse and mental health and jail is taking their own lives, if we can stop that, we will make a difference not only today but in the future generation,” commented Bannock County Commissioner Ken Bullock.
Mayor Brian Blad of Pocatello said if a bond like this had passed years ago, and people had access to a crisis care center, he believes his cousin would still be alive.
“I have a cousin, that had this been in a place years ago, it would have saved his life, there is no question in my mind,” said Mayor Blad.
The jail bond has failed in the past. Commissioner Bullock said he believes part of the reason it failed was because it would cost money to implement.
“It is going to cost a little additional revenue to maybe provide better services. It is going to cost us. But in the long run it is more of an investment rather than just a cost and that is what we are trying to focus on,” said Bullock.
Bullock said they are discussing how much it would cost taxpayers if the bond passed. However, he said as of right now, it would cost the average home in Bannock County around 20 to 50 dollars more a year.
For more information on the bond, click here.
