Josephine County Sheriff responds to defeat of public safety levy

Josephine County, Ore.- For the fifth time since 2012, a public safety levy has been rejected in Josephine County. Voters were heavily against the property tax levy, which would have generated approximately 10-million dollars over the course of four years.

The levy called for property owners to pay an additional $1.42 for every $1,000 dollars of assessed property value, or about $24 more dollars a month for a home valued at 200-thousand dollars.

A 5-person citizen oversight committee would have ensured money would be spent only on public safety, which would include things like increasing the number of patrol deputies, providing increased resources for prosecution, enhancing treatment programs, and adding more jail beds.

Following it’s defeat, Josephine County Sheriff Dave Daniel released the following statement:

“On Nov. 8, 2016 in Josephine County, Measure 17-74 the public safety levy failed. I know that many, most, if not all, the citizens of Josephine County support public safety regardless of how the ballot was filled out.

I write to you in thanks for your encouragement and the support our deputies receive on a daily basis for it is that which truly fuels us. Your Sheriff’s Office will not quit, as each deputy swore an oath to serve. While your deputies are placed in ever increasing danger, we will continue to serve as best we can and rest assured we will win each encounter within the confines of the law.

There will come a day when we are able to provide service to the citizens of Josephine County and to those who visit us, to the full extent each deserves. For now, we will do what we can with what we have and are grateful for that opportunity.

Over the last two years, your Sheriff’s Office has made great strides and we will continue to improve operations to the best of our ability. Again, thank you Josephine County for your support, whether it be financial or other. Each of us at the Sheriff’s Office believe it is an honor to serve you.”

Proponents of the levy do not currently plan to propose another.