Voters reject jail measures in three counties

The current Canyon County jail.

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Story Created: Nov 4, 2009 at 9:03 AM MST

Story Updated: Nov 4, 2009 at 3:17 PM MST

By Associated Press

BOISE, Idaho (AP) — Voters in three Idaho counties — Kootenai, Jerome and Canyon — slammed the door on measures that would have paid for proposed jails or jail expansions.

In Kootenai County in northern Idaho, a $57 million bond and half-cent sales tax to expand the county's jail fell short of the two-thirds supermajority needed to pass.

The jail would have more than doubled the number of beds in the jail, and expanded cafeteria and laundry facilities.

"I understand it was a tough sell," said Kootenai County Commissioner Todd Tondee. "Sixty-six and two-thirds is very difficult."

In Jerome County in south-central Idaho, a plan for a 30-year, $13.5 million lease-to-purchase agreement for a 165-bed jail fell 1.16 percent short of the supermajority.

"I certainly appreciate the voter support for those who voted," said Jerome County Commissioner Cathy Roemer. "We came very close and that tells me the need is very great for a new justice facility. I appreciate the people coming out and exercising their right to vote."

County officials say the 35-year-old Jerome County Jail has to be replaced.

And in Canyon County in southwestern Idaho, a $46 million bond failed after getting 57 percent approval, about 10 percent short of the supermajority of voters it needed to pass.

Canyon County Sheriff Chris Smith said the current jail is overcrowded and falling apart. He said there are some people who have been sentenced and should be behind bars but instead have been released due to overcrowding.

"We are doing alternative sentencing and around here," he said. "It's kind of a joke called 'catch and release prisoner.'"

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