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P/CLOUDY Temp: 67 °F Wind: NW at 6 mph Monday, August 19, 2002 SECTIONS Home Page Local News Sports Business Obituaries Life Opinion - Politics AP News Weather Classified Archives Site Map EXTRA Cyberchef E The People Golf Job Network Headbone Zone Wellness Connection Movie Times Newspaper in Education Oregon CarZone Outdoor Journal Personals Prime Times Real Estate Tempo A & E TV Times W3 Magazine CLASSIFIEDS Find a Car Find a Home Find a Job Find Everything E SOUTHERN OREGON Destinations Automotive Communities Employment Entertainment Publications Real Estate Recreation Shopping Calendar ABOUT US FAQ What's New Advertise Home Delivery Classified Ad Contact Us Media Kit Jobs @ Mail Tribune Email Story to a Friend July 26, 2002 Sheriff prefers to scrap proposed rural tax levy By JILL BRISKEY Mail Tribune Jackson County Sheriff Bob Kennedy told commissioners on Thursday that without support, he wants to scrap plans for a permanent tax levy that would finance rural law enforcement. "As far as I’m concerned, this issue is dead. I think we all need to be united," Kennedy said during a commission meeting on Thursday. "It’s a waste of time and it’s all too confusing right now." Despite commissioners’ concerns, the $8.7 million levy may still wind up on the November ballot. Commissioners said they will most likely hold a public hearing before considering whether to forward the issue to voters. However, a date has not been set. Kennedy and county Finance Director Harvey Bragg attended Thursday’s meeting at the request of Commissioner Jack Walker, who had several questions and concerns. Walker said he’s hesitant to burden rural residents with a service that incorporated residents also will use but not pay for. He suggested Kennedy seek a smaller, five-year levy of less than $3 million. "I understand both sides. ... I just don’t think it’s fair," Walker said. "I think fairness to the community is to go out and tell them what you need (to expand service)." If passed, the permanent tax levy would be $2.30 per $1,000 of assessed property value, or $345 in additional annual taxes on a $150,000 home. Only voters living in unincorporated areas would vote on the levy, and they would pay for it. Approximately $2.7 million annually would pay for a department expansion, including 15 new deputies, two sergeants and two clerks. The levy also would take sheriff’s patrols, search and rescue and the Drug Abuse Resistance Education program out of the county’s general fund, freeing up $6 million. It’s unclear what the $6 million would be used for if the levy passes. Walker said that issue would be discussed during county budget committee hearings in May following the election, if the levy passes. Deputy County Administrator Dave Kanner said the county is gearing up for budget shortfalls in 2003-04 and 2004-05. He said the proposed tax levy is one way to retain services and free-up the general fund. Kanner said sheriff’s patrols are not mandated by the state — unlike services at the county jail — and are considered discretionary. "The first thing you look at when making cuts is your discretionary services," Kanner said, adding that patrols make up the largest discretionary service within the county. Kanner said if the sheriff’s department seeks a smaller, temporary levy as Walker suggests, state law would preclude the department ever seeking a permanent tax levy. According to Bragg, county revenue is expected to increase 5.6 percent from fiscal years 2001-02 to 2002-03. But Bragg said revenues won’t keep pace. The county’s expenses are expected to jump 8.3 percent over the same period. "(The gap) gets wider and wider," he added. Contributing to the anticipated budget crunch include decreasing O&C funds, skyrocketing costs of public retirement plans and increasing costs associated with library and juvenile services expansions. Kanner said other needs that will further stress the budget include adding personnel to the "incredibly" understaffed district attorney’s office, making security improvements at the Justice Building and building up the county’s rainy-day fund. Commissioners agreed that law enforcement needs to be expanded and patrol services protected. But commissioners Ric Holt and Walker still had reservations when the discussion closed Thursday. "It’s tough when you don’t have the answers," Holt said. "God knows we can use the money." Commissioner Sue Kupillas did not attend the meeting. Reach reporter Jill Briskey at 776-4485, or e-mail [email protected] Printer Friendly Version Email Story to a Friend Subscribe Archive: Click to Search Mail Tribune Home Local News | Sports | Business | Obituaries | Life Opinion - Politics | AP News | Archives | Site Map E Southern Oregon | Classified Copyright 1997-2002 Mail Tribune. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy web master feedback A D V E R T I S E R S