By C1 Staff
ST. CLAIR COUNTY, Ill. — A new sales tax intended to fund a $37 million expansion to the county jail is being considerd by voters.
It would levy a quarter of 1 percent sales tax upon merchandise purchased in the county; it would add 25 cents per $100 purchased and would not be collected on groceries, medicine and medical supplies, according to BND.
Supporters say its necessary to exapdn the 45-year-old jail due to overcrowding issues, and opponents claim they will not vote for the increase as it’s unclear how the money will be spent.
St. Clair County Board Chairman Mark Kern said all funds generated by the tax will go toward the jail expansion and increased cost of operating the facility.
Officials estimate the tax will bring in about $5.6 million in the first year.
The expansion would allow the jail to house 580 beds with the option of another 40 beds if needed. The additional beds are expected to meet county demands for the next 25 years, according to St. Clair County Sheriff Rick Watson.
St. Clair County State’s Attorney Brendan Kelly said the consequences of overcrowding mean judges must routinely reduce bonds in felony cases and “there is a greater chance dangerous people will be released out into the community where my family lives and where your family lives.”