Most Corvallisites say they’ve never heard about the $135 million Justice System Improvement Program, but at least half of them said they wouldn’t vote for a $95 million bond measure that would pay for it, according to a county survey released earlier this week. But that won’t stop the Benton County Board of Commissioners from seeking voter approval on next year’s ballot.
“We still have time,” said Board Chair Nancy Wyse. “It’s still something we need. We have the opportunity for more outreach and community engagement.”
Respondents didn’t seem to care if the bond was $95 million or $75 million. According to the survey, 46% would be likely to vote yes, and 46% said they’d vote no. That leaves a meager 8% of undecided voters to be reckoned with.
If $75 million is too high, would the county consider lowering the price tag?
“Yes, of course,” Wyse said. “That is my interest and goal. I am very aware of the income disparity in this county.”
It is unlikely the bond measure will cost more than $100 million, especially if it proves to be a pain point for voters. The county has already found money for the new courthouse using state money and matching local funds. The crisis resource center has secured grants and earmarks from local and state legislators, though the emergency operations center is still not fully funded. And the district attorney’s office, the fifth and final piece of the puzzle, is planned for relocation to the new jail if the county can afford it.
The county is still in negotiations with the owner of the current site location for the new jail, as eminent domain proceedings continue.
Wyse said two more rounds of polling are planned for later this year.
The biggest surprise in the poll, according to those who have been working on the project, is just how many people didn’t know about the justice system improvements bond. But given people’s busy lives and the pandemic, it is understandable, and the county has not had enough staff to take on as much communications and outreach as they would have hoped.
By Peggy Perdue
Do you have a story for The Advocate? Email editor@corvallisadvocate.com