From Deseret News archives:
No tax hike to expand jail, Davis vows
County is told $24.8 million in bonds will 'easily' cover project
And with the sale of $24.8 million in general obligation bonds, county financial advisers said taxpayers need not worry.
"We keep our promises," Commissioner Dannie McConkie said.
In a special meeting last week, the Davis County Commission approved a resolution to authorize the sale of $24.8 million in general obligation bonds to fund expansion of the overcrowded Davis County Jail.
Voters recently approved a tax hike to pay for jail expansion, the only tax issue Davis County voters approved in Novem. And taxpayers will not see another tax hike to pay for the jail expansion, said Jon Bronson, vice president of the Zions Bank public finance department.
"In fact, you guys are going to be able to easily stay within (the construction budget)," Bronson told commissioners.
With relatively little competition from other bonds, Davis County leaders lured enough bidders to snag a low interest rate for jail expansion, Bronson said.
"I like to have a lot of competition," McConkie said. "That makes them hungrier."
"It was a great turnout. I was thrilled to have that many bids," Bronson said. "We really captured the market well."
Since the day the cell doors opened, the jail experienced serious overcrowding problems, Davis County Sheriff Chief Deputy Kevin McLeod said. Double-bunking, prisoners sleeping in hallways and regular equipment breakdowns are just a sliver of the problems of trying to run a jail that was built for 192 inmates but often holds more than 500.
Construction could begin as early as June, McLeod said. Last week, seven contractors toured the existing jail and are expected to submit their official bids soon.
"I'm ecstatic," McConkie said of the bond sale. "It's just another stop on the way. Let's get this project under way."
E-mail: ldethman@desnews.com
Comments
- Nobel returned to Iranian laureate 8:46 a.m.
- Stocks rise on trade deficit, jobs data 8:45 a.m.
- Gay-friendly curriculum phased out 8:43 a.m.
- Spanish gov't to change abortion bill 8:41 a.m.
- IOC OKs cycling, tennis changes 8:28 a.m.
- BCS = power conference monopoly 8:15 a.m.
- Beck, lawmaker's husband trade jabs 8:10 a.m.
- Pakistan: 5 U.S. have al-Qaida link 8:00 a.m.
- Defense Sec. Gates arrives in Iraq 8:00 a.m.
- Russian nightclub fire toll at 136 7:58 a.m.
- Crash landing next to I-15
- Palin signs books, chats with fans
- Psychologist: Mitchell schizophrenic
- Panel passes BCS playoff bill
- Hot Rod behind mic for Lakers
- Max Hall wants to look ahead
- Nude bathers cited for lewdness
- Cougars use depth to beat ASU
- Non-BCS schools not given fair shot
- Jazz go up against 'the best'
- Letters: Global warming a lie
232 - TCU to play Boise in Fiesta Bowl
206 - BYU football: Bronco weighs in on Hall
185 - Cougars going back to Vegas
150 - Utah/BYU rivalry can be more civil
147 - Andersen apologizes for Jordan hoax
138 - Max Hall wants to look ahead
120 - Palin signs books, chats with fans
112 - Revive full food tax?
100 - Yet again, we learn BCS is a big joke
94
Love him or hate him, Utah Sen. Orrin Hatch knows how to get attention.
My wife Lisa and I would prefer never to argue. But that's not going to...
For the latest news in the health care debate and how it affects you...
I am Allen's daughter and I know my parents tried the Navy first, but got the...
You are fooled again! - NOTHING good about this man! He foos us every chance...
how come the borders aren't even close to closure..pretty soon we won't even...
See NY 23 for the damage this woman can do. She lost a safe GOP seat, but...
Don't talk about stuff you don't know about. Tell me exactly how Bush...
Who cares about who plays for BYU. Has their season started yet?
The author is completely wrong, we Don't need modest tax increases, we need...
Good for Glenn,Jailbirds don't have the right to complain or go to our...
There is NOTHING humble about this man. Everything good that happens, he...
Lack of experience & injury to Jay Watkins made for a slow start. They will...



You can be the first to comment on this story.