Signatures needed to nix plans for jail

Using covid relief funds for expansion of the Washington County jail has provoked lots of discussion about the legality and morality of that move by the Quorum Court. Several justices of the peace stated that the 60/40 vote to defeat expansion was a vote against the sales tax, not the jail. In other words, some JPs have rationalized that the expansion is on the feds, so let’s use their free money. This flawed reasoning is bad government.

The question of clawbacks aside, let’s examine the proposition that the expansion is free and look the gift horse in the mouth. Right now operating our 700-bed jail costs $17 million annually, or about $67 per day per detainee to house, feed, clothe and provide medical care. Adding 220 beds will then likely cost at least another $14,740 each day for a total bill of $5.38 million per year. Operating costs were ignored by our JPs in the lead- up to the November election and now, as they recklessly commit Washington County to significant taxes for years to come.

Fortunately the Arkansas Constitution allows a remedy for voters to review bad decisions by our government. Through petitioning, registered voters can force a countywide election to pass judgment on specific actions of the Quorum Court. We have until Feb. 21 to collect 8,000 signatures that will let us vote to overturn 2022-123 and 2022-124, the two ordinances that moved $18 million from American Rescue Plan’s covid relief to jail construction.

Look for folks with clipboards out in the community or drive through the St. Paul’s Episcopal Church parking lot across College Avenue from the Washington County Courthouse between 9 and 5 on Saturdays if you’d like to make your vote last November count.

MAC MAYFIELD Fayetteville