Jail Bond Supporters, Opponents Square off in Nampa

Nampa (670 KBOI News) – Canyon County says a new jail is badly needed, but citizens say tax relief is what’s really needed.

The Idaho Press is reporting both sides squared off at a town hall meeting at the Nampa Public Library Monday night.

County officials made their case for the $187 million jail bond, which voters will go to polls next Tuesday to approve or reject.

Current overcrowding and the County’s fast growth are the reasons why officials say a new jail is needed.

But opponents at Monday’s meeting said they’re being nickeled and dimed to death with increased property taxes.

The bond would raise property taxes $94 per year per $100,000 of assessed value, and have a 20-year life, under the current levy rate. Interest would raise the total cost of the bond to $263 million.

Voters have rejected the bond twice in recent years.