ADAMS COUNTY, Colo. — Adams County is talking about increasing property taxes to help pay for a new jail.
The structure, which is more than 40 years old, is deteriorating rapidly, and county leaders said it would be more cost-effective to start from scratch.
If the county moves forward with the funding plan, voters will have the final say at the ballot box.
"This is something we must have," said Adams County Undersheriff Paul Gregory. "We have a responsibility. We have an obligation. This facility is, like I said, it's come to its end of life. It's not something that's like, 'Oh it can wait a few more years.' It's like, we're there. We're past there."
The county said maintaining the current facility costs tens of millions of dollars. They're dealing with things such as mold, water contamination, and sewer infrastructure issues that could pose health and safety concerns for both staff and inmates. Gregory said a new jail would fix all of that.
"Having a facility that is rundown like ours, it is suboptimal for our employees, and we have hundreds of employees and volunteers who are in that facility every single day,” said Gregory. “They need a better place to work, as well."
One funding solution, according to the county, may include a 2.383-mill property tax increase, which could generate $500 million.
With that solution, if a home is valued at half a million, the homeowner would pay $86 a year ($7 a month) to help build a new correctional facility in Adams County.
The Behavioral Health Unit at the Adams County Detention Facility is overcrowded, and a bigger facility could help more people, said Gregory.
"When we’re looking at a new facility, we have to have rehabilitation programs," Gregory said. "We have to have reintegration programs. We have to have education programs and religious programs. We have to have robust behavior and mental health programs."
The county said the current detention center is also leaving behind a large carbon footprint, generating emissions equal to 870 gas vehicles over one year. Leaders say a new facility would cut that in half.
Got concerns? Questions? Want to make a comment? The Adams County Board of Commissioners, the sheriff, and the undersheriff want to hear from you
Stop by their offices, give them a call, or attend the next town hall meeting, which is scheduled for Wednesday, Aug. 14, from 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. at Yellow Rose Event Center, 6490 E. 72nd Pl., in Commerce City.
For complete details on the plan and its challenges, click here.