Dear Editor:
How many taxpayers in Eau Claire County are aware that their property taxes have increased because of a major expense the county has taken on, without seeking the consent of the voters through a referendum? I am referring to the County Board’s decision to proceed with the construction of a new jail. The proposal is to build a new jail as an addition to the county building, extending along Ann Street, east of the present building, taking the properties on both sides of Ann Street out to First Avenue, and maybe more.. The reported estimated cost of the building is $59.1 million, although I do not know anyone who has seen the itemized estimate, and so we do not know if that estimate includes all costs for the entire project or just a “bare bones” estimate to put up the walls, floors, and roof, and then add on the rest of the cost when it is too late. A recent land survey indicates that pilings will have to be built to support the building, which will certainly increase the cost. A more realistic estimate may be as high as $100 million.
For any project which is more than $60 million, there must be a referendum in which the voters can approve or disapprove of the expenditure, which we often see when the school district wants to build a new school or make major renovations.
This project seems to be “flying under the radar” of voter review. We may, in fact, need a new jail, and it may have to be where it is proposed. However, I want to see voter review of such a major expenditure. Let the case be made in public through a referendum. Do not put this financial burden on the taxpayer without that referendum. I have heard that even the current estimated cost would increase our property tax by 15% for each year over the next thirty years. We would not allow the school board to do this; we certainly should not allow the County Board to do it. Let’s have full disclosure and voter review through a referendum.
Nick Smiar
