DISCUSSION
On July 10, 2018, at a Special Meeting of the Board of Supervisors, the Board received a report from County Counsel regarding potential options to fund public safety operations through local taxes, assessments, or fees. The Board provided the following direction to staff: (1) Obtain cost estimates for operations/maintenance for additional jail beds, deputies, diversion programs, addicted offender services, and public safety needs of three incorporated cities; (2) Contact the three cities to determine their support for a Public Safety Special Tax; and (3) Contact outside entities, such as Chambers of Commerce in Shasta County to determine their support for a Public Safety Special Tax.
Below is an example of Public Safety Special Tax ordinance language which identifies the specific uses to which the revenue would be applied:
“The purpose of the special tax is for: (1) construction, repair, maintenance, and operation of existing County jail and adult detention facilities as well as future County jail and adult detention facilities, and the associated operation of programs and health care for persons detained or confined in County jail and adult detention facilities; (2) operation and maintenance of Shasta County Sheriff programs in accordance with laws that serve as alternatives to detention or confinement in County jail and adult detention facilities, including, but not limited to, home detention with electronic monitoring or GPS monitoring, work furlough programs, work release programs, and contracts to commit persons to other adult detention facilities as may be authorized by law; and (3) law enforcement and police protection services in the unincorporated and incorporated areas of the County of Shasta.”
The County Executive Officer will provide an update pursuant to the Board’s direction and seek additional direction regarding a Public Safety Special Tax.
| Description |
Estimated Annual Operating Costs |
| Add 38 Beds in Mail Jail |
$713,749 |
| Add 64 Beds in Dept. 1/2 (Justice Center) |
$3,293,441 |
| Add up to 102 Beds Next to Dept. 1/2 (Estimate is for 102 Beds at the current modular site) |
$4,302,248 |
| Fund positions for 24-hour patrol coverage in Shasta County |
$3,976,960 |
| Jail Diversion Program |
$2,000,000 |
| Total: |
$14,286,398 |
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| Notes: |
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| Jail Diversion Program Estimates are Preliminary |
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| Actual Jail costs dependent on various factors, such as Board of State and Community Corrections approval of staffing levels |
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| All estimates subject to increases in future years |
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