Josephine County, Ore. — Josephine County Sheriff Dave Daniel is trying to clear up any confusion regarding a proposed levy to fund the sheriff’s department by answering the public’s questions.
Sheriff Dave Daniel says it’s his job is to provide the facts and educate the public.
“I just expect a good forum and a lot of information sharing,” Sheriff Dave Daniel said.
Sheriff Dave Daniel and County Commissioner Dan DeYoung met with residents from the North Valley Community Watch about a proposed levy that would tax homeowners 93 cents per thousand dollars of home’s assessed value to give the sheriff’s department more funding.
Their goal was to answer questions and give the community a better understanding of what would happen if the proposed levy did or didn’t pass.
It’s a levy that some support.
“The funding is just dried up and if we don’t pass this levy, we’re gonna be cutting even more and likely have to close down the jail,” Grants Pass resident Don Reedy said.
But others are concerned.
“We have to adhere on a budget to make sure that we have enough to live on and if the levy passes, it’s gonna make it hard for retirees,” Williams resident Chuck Thomas said.
While many other levees regarding public safety haven’t passed before, Sheriff Dave Daniel says this one is different because he tried to listen to what the people want.
That includes dedicated money, dedicated funding and increased patrol from a levy that’s under a dollar.
But in the end, Sheriff Dave Daniel says it’s up to the voters.
“Let the people make the decision. We’re gonna do the best we can with whatever we have and that’s for sure. The difficulty is how much is that,” Sheriff Dave Daniel said.
Josephine County residents will be able to vote on the proposed levy May 16th.
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