
GRAFTON, N.D. (KFGO/KVRR) — Voters in Walsh County rejected plans for a new jail and sheriff’s office.
There were two questions on the ballot and both had to pass by a majority for the referendum to pass.
On the three-quarter percent sales tax, it had enough votes with 1,073 yes and 985 no in unofficial results. But the question of increasing the general fund levy failed with 1,067 no votes to 989 yes votes.
The estimated cost of a new jail is projected to be over $42 million. It would have been paid for with a sales tax and 20 mill property tax increase.
The current jail was built in 1975, with a capacity of 16 inmates. The sheriff says it is lacking space and has plumbing and safety issues.
Five years ago, the sheriff’s office and commissioners outlined a plan to improve the county jail with 46 beds.
Comments