Support Davis jail, fluoride

Davis County voters have two significant ballot issues to consider next Tuesday: One that would authorize the issuance of bonds to fund the expansion of the Davis County Jail, and another that would continue the fluoridation of public water supplies in Davis County.

In the interests of public safety and public health. we urge Davis County voters to support Proposition 1 and Proposition 3.

• Proposition 1: This asks voters to approve the issuance of $24.8 million in general obligation bonds to expand the Davis County Jail. The existing jail was designed to house 192 inmates. Recently, it has housed as many as 551 inmates, which has been achieved by double bunking inmates and placing temporary beds on the jail floor. The existing facility is obviously inadequate for Davis County's present public safety needs, let alone to meet projections that the county's jail population may exceed 900 inmates by 2014.

Overcrowding puts the jail staff at risk. It also imperils inmates because jail officers have few, if any, options to properly segregate certain classes of inmates. Mixing these inmates can lead to an increase in violence and possible liability issues for the county.

Overcrowding at the jail has also resulted in the county releasing inmates before they have served their full sentences to make room for incoming inmates.

Will the jail expansion mean new taxes? Yes and no. Presently, the owner of an average home in Davis County ($167,000 market value) pays about $15.50 a year for the bonds issued for jail construction in 1988. Those bonds will be paid off in February 2006. The jail expansion, which would include 400 more beds, a new kitchen, new laundry facilities and a remodeled intake area, can be covered by continuing the existing jail levy.

Voters should know that a future tax increase — an average of $35 on the average home — will be needed to operate and maintain the expanded jail.

While no one can warm up to the notion of paying higher taxes for an expanded jail, it is a basic function of county government. Vote yes to expand the jail and enhance public safety.

• Proposition 3: It's deja vu all over again with respect to adding fluoride to the public water supply in Davis County.

In 2000, a slim majority of Davis County voters approved adding fluoride to the public water supply, bringing it to the optimal level of 1.0 parts per million. About a year later, the mineral was added to the water.

Davis County's experience with water fluoridation is the best reason to vote to continue the practice. It's been relatively inexpensive, safe and will ultimately save public money in terms of improved dental health.