Lincoln County commissioners held off this week calling for a sales tax election to fund a new jail and for a countywide ambulance service.
There’s little doubt both are badly needed. But commissioners were wise not to call for the election just yet.
In listening to comments in recent months during county commission meetings, several members of the public have expressed the need for a countywide ambulance service. They have talked about how long people in need must wait for an ambulance to arrive.
Discussions about the need for a new jail has spanned over several years. At one time, there was talk of trying to build a massive new detention center that would house far more than just a jail.
But the proposed facility has been scaled down. That could be attributed to the ambulance issue.
Sheriff Charlie Dougherty told us last week the original portion of the current jail was built in 1969 and the two-story add-on was constructed in 2000.
Even the newest portion is 21 years old.
There is one thing that is certain. The three county commissioners should be in agreement before they call for an election seeking voters’ approval.
If the voters sense there is dissension on the issue among the three commissioners, it could spell trouble from the outset. They are the ones who must take the lead in convincing the public these issues are needed but also the necessary funds will be there to help support them.
During this week’s county commission meeting on Monday, the ambulance issue took center stage during the nearly two-hour discussion.
Other than talking briefly on how much a new three quarters of a cent sales tax would generate annually and how much would be needed to pay for principal and interest each year on the jail, the discussion was all about a countywide service.
District 2 Commissioner Marlon Miller pushed for a better plan before taking it to the taxpayers. Commission Chairman Lee Doolen pointed to his vision for a board that would oversee the ambulance service.
There was discussion about some of the people who might be asked to serve from various entities. They began asking some of those people who were attending either in-person or virtually and most agreed.
During a special meeting scheduled for this coming Monday, commissioners and some of those on this board will sit down for more discussion. Commissioners are expected to seek the input of these people who have expertise from the experience they’ve gained.
Maybe they can hammer out and solve concerns on how to fund the ambulance service. Commissioners have talked about a Special Election election to be held June 8. They would have to adopt a resolution by early April for that to happen.
If they need more time, they ought to take it. They could set an election for July 13.
They must be in agreement, though, before they ask the people to vote on it.