Walsh County Sheriff's Office to consider funding county jail project through sales tax
May 21—GRAFTON, N.D. — In a statement, Walsh County Sheriff Ron Jurgens said there is a possible path forward for the county jail, which was the subject of a
failed referendum vote
earlier in the month.
The referendum had two measures, meant to help fund the construction of a new jail and sheriff's office. While the measure for an increase to the county's general fund levy failed, a 0.75% sales tax passed. This could be used to fund the project, Jurgens said.
"We are fairly confident we can still utilize the sales tax revenue as long as it's for the stated purpose of constructing a jail and/or sheriff's office," he said. "Our state's attorney is researching this more deeply to be fully certain."
The sheriff's office will be meeting with The Samuels Group, the construction company involved in the jail project, next week after official canvassing results of the referendum votes are in. The two groups will discuss what options, if any, they have with the funds available to them, Jurgens said.
The jail project has been a conversation for the past five years for the county to find what the best solution to dealing with the aging facility would be. The plan for a new jail and sheriff's office was chosen and the referendum made. Members of the county, including Jurgens and Sid Samuels from The Samuels Group, held multiple
informational meetings
about the state of the jail, outlining issues in available beds, storage, leaks, heating, cooling, plumbing and other areas. Jurgens, Walsh County Commission Chair Kristi Brintnell and District Court Judge Barbara Whelan all said the jail could close within a year if nothing is done to improve its conditions.
During a recent meeting with the Grand Forks Herald, North Dakota Gov. Kelly Armstrong said he is in talks with Walsh County about the jail.
"We'll be in contact with them and figuring out if there are ways in which we can help," he said.
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