A Vernon County Justice Center is in the future

There are a great amount of great things happening in our area, with the biodiesel plant being developed and a number of other projects in the works. All of these things will have a major impact on the future of Vernon County.

Much of the economic development that has taken place in recent months has been through the efforts of the city and the county working together and getting things done. There has been much going on that most of us have not been aware of. Sam Foursha, while serving as economic director for Nevada had a major impact as a result of his efforts. Credit goes to a number of others for what they have accomplished, including the county commissioners.

It is very important that the city and the county work together as a team. For too many years it has been observed that we had Nevada and we had Vernon County. That has been hard to understand for a variety of reasons. People living in Nevada are a part of Vernon County. Also, people of Nevada depend on all of the citizens of the county. Those living in Nevada and those living outside of Nevada also depend on each other for much.

At least two people in the county have raised a question of why do we need a city government and a county government. These two individuals think that there should be a government for the entire county which would also govern the city of Nevada. That concept is different. Still, one of these individuals said that where he moved from when he came here, the county government also governs the town. That is a different concept and is not expected that would develop locally nor is it suggested.

Yes, there are many great things that are happening in our area, which is improving the quality of life. Still, there are improvements that needs to be made. Everyone in the county need to work together to determine the greatest need.

Most likely the highest priority that would be identified is the need for a new justice center or a jail. There are advantages to making it a justice center rather than a jail only. True, most of us think that we are paying too many taxes and in many ways we are. Most of us do not want to pay any more taxes. There is not any other way to get a justice center than by increasing our taxes. Still, it needs to be done to have a justice center -- we have to sacrifice some more.

It has to be done. If we do not work together and develop a justice center for Vernon County, we may have a greater cost facing us. It is a matter of paying sooner than later. If the jail conditions get where we have to send the prisoners to other locations, it will be a greater cost than constructing and developing our own jail.

It has been many years since I have seen our county jail, but many will testify that it is not a desirable place to house our prisoners and it also is hazard for the staff.

It is with jealousy one realizes that Bates County has a new jail and we have one that is deplorable. I have never seen their building, but I hear great things about it. Why do they have one and we do not? On July 4, in Rich Hill, I visited with the Bates County sheriff. He said that their jail is nearly paid for. This is mainly accomplished by boarding prisoners from other areas. This is making a big difference for them and is paying off. The current Vernon County jail has approximately 40 beds for prisoners. At the Vernon County Justice Center Development meeting held July 3, Sheriff Ron Peckman reported that he could fill 60 beds, if they were available. The extra beds would obviously help in prisoner management and control. Each day the sheriff has to consult with the prosecuting attorney to determine which prisoner that they need to let out to make room for an additional prisoner.

The proposed new jail issue failed when it was voted on in a previous election. The vote was 70 percent no and 30 percent yes. This was a major defeat. Some of the reasons that the issue failed was that many had the concept that the city did not support the new jail facility; the city was not interested in the old jail building at that time; the proposed location was in flux, including the extremely high land cost; and many thought the location appeared threatening to the community; the proposed 1/2-cent sales tax did not have a sunset clause; and the operation and function of the new jail was not clearly defined.

There will be consideration of proposing a 1/2-cent sales tax on the ballot in April 2007 to finance a new justice center with a sunset clause of 10 to 20 years. There is much to be done for this to be done and successful. It will take key individuals working together to make it happen. It will take the understanding and support of the voters in the entire county.

A new justice center is in the future for Vernon County -- it has to be a priority.