November 5, 2024
By: Dwayne Page
DeKalb County voters soundly defeated two referendums on the ballot in Tuesday’s election regarding a proposed $50 wheel tax and the issuance of general obligation bonds not to exceed $65 million for a judicial center/jail.
On the wheel tax question, the total vote was 1,477 in favor (16.29%) and 7,591 against (83.71%). The wheel tax was rejected by a majority of voters in all twelve precincts as well as in the absentee/early voting numbers.
The referendum on the issuance of bonds failed with 1,314 in favor (14.99%) and 7,451 against (85.01%). Again, a majority of voters in all 12 precincts were opposed along with the absentee/early voting numbers.
Had it been approved, the revenue raised from the wheel tax would have offset somewhat the 51-cent tax increase for debt service (in support of the judicial center/jail) and brought the property tax hike for debt service next year (2025-26) down from 51 cents to 33 cents.
County Mayor Matt Adcock told WJLE Tuesday night after the results were announced that the jail committee of the county commission will convene Thursday night, November 7 at 6 p.m. in the history room of the county complex to discuss options going forward in addressing issues with the jail while maintaining a plan of action to keep the jail certified.
“Now that we know the results and what the people want we are going back to the drawing board. We have already anticipated needing another meeting and we have scheduled that on Thursday night. Deputy Director Bob Bass from the Tennessee Corrections Institute will be there to guide us as we try to come up with a new set of plans or something that could still work for DeKalb County. I know there were several other options that were on the table before going with a 190-bed justice center. Maybe we can step back and look at that and if there are any new ideas a commissioner brings up we could look at that also so we will be discussing that in this meeting,” said County Mayor Adcock.
For months, DeKalb County has been under a plan of action with TCI to keep the jail certified as it works toward a solution with some type of building program. In August, 2023, TCI informed Sheriff Patrick Ray that the number of state certifiable beds at the jail was being reduced from 102 to 52. Since then, Sheriff Ray has been housing inmates in other jails which has become costly to the county.
In June the county commission adopted a resolution for the issuance of bonds not to exceed $65 million for construction of a 190-bed judicial center/jail although it did not settle on a proposed location for such construction.
Following passage of the bond resolution, a successful petition drive was organized under the name DeKalb Citizens for Responsible Taxation forcing a public referendum.
Dennis Stanley, treasurer for DCRT, issued a statement after the vote on Tuesday.
“We want to thank the voters for expressing their opinions on the General Obligation Bond for a Justice Center and Jail. You let your voices be heard loud and clear and your participation was vital,” said Stanley.
“While we hope your decision resonates with the county commission, the battle isn’t over and it remains imperative you continue to attend government meetings, continue to voice your thoughts to your county commissioners, and keep a close eye on the actions of the commission”.
“Tennessee law allows voters to force general obligation bonds to a referendum. You did that. As a result, the Tennessee Corrections Institute (TCI) should not punish the DeKalb County Government for its citizens following a state law. Instead, TCI should give the county government a reasonable extension to come up with a new plan to solve jail deficiencies. And remember, there is a difference between solving the jail problem and building a justice center. TCI does not require a justice center it only requires a jail meet certain standards. If TCI wants to take the step of de-certifying our county jail, that does not mean DeKalb County has to build a justice center,” said Stanley.
“We are prepared to continue this fight, if necessary, for fair taxation and accountable spending”.
“Again, we ask you to help us keep up the fight and maintain open dialogue with your county leaders,” added Stanley.