{"id":2327365,"date":"2024-08-20T09:20:00","date_gmt":"2024-08-20T13:20:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/spokane-county-low-on-options-if-juvenile-jails-operations-tax-fails-to-renew-washington-examiner\/"},"modified":"2024-08-20T09:25:16","modified_gmt":"2024-08-20T13:25:16","slug":"spokane-county-low-on-options-if-juvenile-jails-operations-tax-fails-to-renew-washington-examiner","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/spokane-county-low-on-options-if-juvenile-jails-operations-tax-fails-to-renew-washington-examiner\/","title":{"rendered":"Spokane County low on options if juvenile, jails operations tax fails to renew &#8211; Washington Examiner"},"content":{"rendered":"<aside class=\"mashsb-container mashsb-main mashsb-stretched\"><div class=\"mashsb-box\"><div class=\"mashsb-count mash-medium\" style=\"float:left\"><div class=\"counts mashsbcount\">32<\/div><span class=\"mashsb-sharetext\">SHARES<\/span><\/div><div class=\"mashsb-buttons\"><a class=\"mashicon-facebook mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.conservativenewsdaily.net%2Fbreaking-news%2Fspokane-county-low-on-options-if-juvenile-jails-operations-tax-fails-to-renew-washington-examiner%2F\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Facebook<\/span><\/a><a class=\"mashicon-twitter mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/intent\/tweet?text=&amp;url=https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/?p=2327365&amp;via=ConservNewsDly\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Twitter<\/span><\/a><a class=\"mashicon-subscribe mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"#\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Subscribe<\/span><\/a><div class=\"onoffswitch2 mash-medium mashsb-noshadow\" style=\"display:none\"><\/div><\/div>\n            <\/div>\n                <div style=\"clear:both\"><\/div><\/aside>\n            <!-- Share buttons by mashshare.net - Version: 4.0.47--><p>Spokane \u2064County is preparing for upcoming tax proposals in the November election, \u200das it certifies the results of the \u2064<a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/top-republican-leader-slams-marjorie-taylor-greene-a-cancer-for-the-republican-party\/\" title=\"Top Republican Leader Slams Marjorie Taylor Greene: A \u2018Cancer For The Republican Party\u2019\">primary election<\/a>. The county will seek to renew a sales tax specifically\u200c for juvenile\u200b detention services, \u2062while \u2063the City of \u2064Spokane will\u2063 propose a\u2062 tax to address \u200bits structural\u2063 deficit. A potential failure \u200dof the county&#8217;s renewal could lead to severe cuts in necessary services,\u2062 particularly in mental health and nursing,\u200d as mandated funding for juvenile\u2064 detention must be\u200b maintained. Juvenile Court Administrator Tori Peterson \u200cexpressed concerns\u200b about what\u200c services might \u200dneed \u2063to be cut if\u2062 the renewal\u2064 fails,\u2063 emphasizing the critical nature of mental health and nursing. The \u2063county&#8217;s commissioners, while \u200bhopeful about the renewal&#8217;s success, recognize the need to consider budget cuts to sustain current services. Additionally, there are challenges posed by \u2063limited\u2062 capacity in \u200cexisting facilities, complicating the situation further.  <\/p>\n<p class=\"readmore\">\n    <button onclick=\"showReadMore()\" id=\"readmorebtn\">Read more&#8230;<\/button>\n<\/p>\n<hr id=\"line\">\n<span id=\"more\"><\/p>\n<p><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><\/p>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><span class=\"tdb-mobile-menu-button\"><i class=\"tdb-mobile-menu-icon td-icon-mobile\"><\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><span class=\"tdb-header-search-button-mob dropdown-toggle\" data-toggle=\"dropdown\"><i class=\"tdb-mobile-search-icon td-icon-search\"><\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><span class=\"tdb-mobile-menu-button\"><i class=\"tdb-mobile-menu-icon td-icon-mobile\"><\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\">\n<div class=\"tdb-drop-down-search\" aria-labelledby=\"td-header-search-button\">\n<div class=\"tdb-drop-down-search-inner\">\n<form method=\"get\" class=\"tdb-search-form\" action=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/\"><\/form>\n<div class=\"tdb-aj-search\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/#\" role=\"button\" aria-label=\"Search\" class=\"tdb-head-search-btn dropdown-toggle\" data-toggle=\"dropdown\"><i class=\"tdb-search-icon td-icon-search\"><\/i><\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\">\n<h1 class=\"tdb-title-text\">Spokane County low on options if juvenile, jails operations tax fails to renew<\/h1>\n<div><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-title-line\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\">\n<div id=\"Brid_1734185\" class=\"tpd-featured-video bridtv\"><\/div>\n<p>(The Center Square) &ndash; Spokane County is certifying the primary election results tomorrow but already has its sights on November ahead of an anticipated battle over tax proposals with the City of Spokane.<\/p>\n<p>Both municipalities will have sales tax proposals on the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/company-leading-arizona-recount-asks-court-that-procedures-be-kept-secret\/\" title=\"Company Leading Arizona Recount Asks Court That Procedures Be Kept Secret\">general election ballot<\/a>, though the county&rsquo;s is a renewal for detention services, while the city&rsquo;s would help mitigate its structural deficit. If the city succeeds and the county fails, it could have major consequences for both.<\/p>\n<p>Still, Juvenile Court Administrator Tori Peterson told the county commissioners on Monday that she wouldn&rsquo;t know what to cut first. State law requires the county to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/mcconnell-surveys-gop-wreckage-after-senate-border-deal-falls-apart\/\" title=\"McConnell assesses GOP damage as Senate border deal crumbles\">provide sufficient funding<\/a> for juvenile detention services, leaving little to no options for cuts if the county fails to pass the renewal.<\/p>\n<p>&ldquo;Mental health or nursing,&rdquo; Peterson said, listing the legally viable options, &ldquo;and those are critical &hellip; I just wouldn&rsquo;t make those cuts.&rdquo;<\/p>\n<p>While Spokane County Commissioner Josh Kerns is still optimistic about the renewal passing, he and others agreed that they need to consider the options if it doesn&rsquo;t. Peterson listed mental health and nursing services as a potential cut. Still, the alternative would be taking individuals to the emergency room instead, which could happen often and, in turn, be much more expensive.<\/p>\n<p>The commissioners noted a need for another budget discussion centered on areas they could cut to maintain Detention Services&rsquo; current operating level. The deliberation would occur after the county had already eliminated various <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/missouri-school-district-hires-high-school-students-due-to-short-staffing\/\" title=\"Missouri School District Hires High School Students Due to Short Staffing\">vacant positions due<\/a> to shortfalls.<\/p>\n<p>The budget constraints are only a caveat to a more significant issue: the lack of capacity in existing facilities. Last November, another tax measure failed that would have funded the construction of a new adult facility, though the commissioners have noted the issue at the juvenile level as well.<\/p>\n<p>Spokane County Sheriff John Nowels has repeatedly called for more emphasis on funding new facilities given the lack of capacity; but even if the tax were brought up for another vote and passed, it would likely take upwards of a decade to plan, design and build the new jail.<\/p>\n<p>While the adult facility is often at a red-light status, meaning that officers must wait for someone to be released before intaking a new inmate, juvenile referrals are also increasing.<\/p>\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Peterson provided data during Monday&rsquo;s meeting that noted felony offenses committed by juveniles increased by 25% from 2022 to 2023. She said misdemeanors and gross misdemeanors also increased by approximately 44% during that time frame.<\/p>\n<p>&ldquo;Reducing the budget is not an option for juvenile [detention] because it&rsquo;s required by the state for us to provide it,&rdquo; said Scott Simmons, Spokane County&rsquo;s chief executive officer. &ldquo;The cuts would have to come from other places.&rdquo;<\/p>\n<p> <script data-cfasync=\"false\" src=\"http:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/cdn-cgi\/scripts\/5c5dd728\/cloudflare-static\/email-decode.min.js\"><\/script><script>!function(){var g=window;g.googletag=g.googletag||{},g.googletag.cmd=g.googletag.cmd||[],g.googletag.cmd.push(function(){g.googletag.pubads().setTargeting(\"has-featured-video\",\"true\")})}();<\/script><script>var _bp=_bp||[];_bp.push({\"div\":\"Brid_1734185\",\"obj\":{\"id\":\"27789\",\"width\":\"1280\",\"height\":\"720\",\"stickyDirection\":\"below\",\"video\":\"1734185\"}});<\/script><script defer src=\"https:\/\/services.brid.tv\/player\/build\/brid.min.js\"><\/script><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"tdb-block-inner td-fix-index\"><\/div>\n<p><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Spokane County is set to certify the results of the primary election tomorrow, but it is already looking ahead to November for a potential conflict over tax proposals with the City of Spokane. Both local governments will present sales tax measures on the general election ballot; however, while the county&#8217;s proposal seeks to renew funding for detention services, the city&#8217;s aims to address its structural deficit. If the city\u2019s measure passes and the county\u2019s fails, it could lead to significant repercussions for both entities. Juvenile Court Administrator Tori Peterson informed county commissioners on Monday that she would struggle to identify which services might be cut if funding does not get renewed. State law mandates that counties must adequately fund juvenile detention services, leaving few options for reductions if renewal fails. Peterson mentioned mental health and nursing services as possible areas for cuts but emphasized their critical importance: \u201cI just wouldn\u2019t make those cuts.\u201d Although Spokane County Commissioner Josh Kerns remains hopeful about passing the renewal, he acknowledged that they need contingency plans in case it doesn\u2019t succeed. The alternative could involve transporting individuals to emergency rooms frequently, which would likely be more costly than maintaining current services. The commissioners recognized a need for further budget discussions focused on potential cuts necessary to sustain Detention Services at its current level after previously eliminating several vacant positions due to budget shortfalls.<\/p>\n<p>The financial constraints highlight a larger issue: inadequate capacity in existing facilities. A previous tax measure aimed at constructing a new adult facility failed last November; however, commissioners have also pointed out similar concerns regarding juvenile facilities. Sheriff John Nowels has consistently advocated for increased funding towards new facilities due to capacity issues; yet even if another vote were held and passed, planning and building a new jail could take over ten years. Currently, adult facilities often operate at full capacity\u2014requiring officers to wait until someone is released before admitting a new inmate\u2014while referrals involving juveniles are also rising sharply. During Monday&#8217;s meeting, Peterson reported that felony offenses among juveniles surged by 25% from 2022 to 2023 and noted an approximate 44% increase in misdemeanors during this period as well. Scott Simmons, Spokane County\u2019s chief executive officer stated firmly: \u201cReducing the budget is not an option for juvenile [detention] because it\u2019s required by state law&#8230; Cuts would have to come from other areas.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":2327366,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_mo_disable_npp":"","fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/iStock-109719062-1024x668.jpg","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[],"tags":[27543,23041,33919],"class_list":["post-2327365","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","tag-jails","tag-juvenile","tag-spokane-county"],"fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/iStock-109719062-1024x668.jpg","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2327365","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2327365"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2327365\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2327366"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2327365"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2327365"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2327365"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}