By Matt Gleckman

The passage of the new jail proposal at Tuesday’s election has made happy campers out of many local law-enforcement agents and county officials.

Referendum 1A, to implement a 0.45-cent sales tax to finance the construction and operation of a 110-bed detention facility, passed by a 16-percent margin.

The plan to build a new jail began several years ago when the county commissioners appointed a citizens’ committee to address the issues of overcrowding, poor security, and officer and inmate safety at the existing jail, according to jail-committee member Dan Avery.

"I think we might have jumped the gun a little bit last year," said Avery, "The (1998) proposal was very confusing. We had one idea to build our own jail and another plan to have an outside contractor come in and build one. Without much thought, a sales tax was put on the ballot in an attempt to fund the project."

Local sheriff’s Lt. Jim Keen agreed. "I think this year’s proposal passed because we had more time to campaign, we had more volunteers, and the community was more aware of the problems at the jail. Last year we only had 30 days to get the word out before voting."

In 1998 the jail proposal failed by 334 votes with 3,787 people voting "no" and 3,453 voting "yes."

"The proposal for this year’s election had a more specific design and the people who were campaigning for it were able to see what was needed in a positive way," said Mancos’ interim city manager, Bill Ray.

Of the 3,468 area residents who voted on the referendum, 2,026 (57.77 percent) were for the new jail while 1,442 (41.13 percent) were opposed, there by passing the new plan by 584 votes. Every precinct in Montezuma County tallied a majority "yes" vote, though some were extremely close. In Precinct 6, the area that encompasses Towaoc, the proposal scraped by with a total of 29 votes for and 28 votes against.

The "yes" vote will result in a 0.45-cent sales tax in Montezuma County. However, the sales tax will not be levied on prescription drugs, groceries, utilities, or major farm machinery and will sunset when the $6.26 million dollar bond is paid.

Cortez Mayor Joe Keck stated, "I think that the people’s decision to approve the jail was the result of a lot of folks doing a good job of getting the word out. People don’t want to see their tax dollars being wasted and this year’s proposal includes a plan to turn the old jail into a detox and work-release center.

"I also think that the timely discovery of the fugitives’ body played a psychological role for some voters. It served as a reminder to the community that there are some hard-core people around here and we need a safe place to house them."

Construction on the $5.5 million jail could begin as early as next March. The 110-bed facility will be built on county-owned land north of Empire Street and west of Mildred Road. The sales tax will also finance the renovation of the old jail and pay for insurance and daily operating expenses.