New Dent County Jail approved by a wide margin – The Salem News

Dent County voters went to the polls Tuesday to consider a number of election issues and several local offices.

The most discussed decision for many was Proposition 1 and Proposition 2, each a countywide half-cent sales tax to construct and operate a new Dent County Jail, respectively. Despite some outspokenness in online forums, an overwhelming majority cast ballots to authorize both taxes.

With all precincts reporting, both propositions passed by wide margins.

Proposition 1 passed by a vote of 1,525 yes and 731 no. Proposition 2 passed by a tally of 1,485 to 758.

Both measures had to pass in order for the jail project to move forward.

Proposition 1 has a 21-year sunset for the construction of a new 84-bed jail. Proposition 2 would be ongoing to fund the continuing operating costs of the new jail.

The taxes will not go in effect until October.

The project has been in development for more than a year. With the victory, the next phase of the $11 million facility will commence.

Incumbent West Ward Alderman Chad Heithold won a second term by defeating challenger Gene Baker. The final tally was 261-146.

Incumbent East Ward Alderman Haydn "Buzz" Powell was also reelected by defeating Jerry (Jay) Gibbs by a vote of 170-127.

Oak Hill R-Is proposed tax levy increase to fund improvements to school facilities passed by a margin of 160 to 105. The proposition increases the levy from $3.0850 per $100 of assessed value to $3.43. The school board voted to include a 10-year sunset clause in the ballot language, meaning the increase will go away after the 2026 tax year.

An onsite building project is planned to be funded, including a stud-wall wooden framed structure with sheet metal roof and siding.

Other concerns are the energy inefficiency of 56-year-old exterior windows and doors as well as 56-year-old heating systems that are costing the district each year in the form of high energy bills and repairs.

The levy will provide the funding necessary to make the building more energy efficient through the installation of new insulated windows and doors as well as replace the current HVAC units with high efficiency central heating and air conditioning units.

The levy increase is for improvements to facilities only. Revenue from this increase will be earmarked for Capital Projects only.

Incumbents secured their seats for the Salem Memorial District Hospitals Board of Directors

Sue Terry defeated Willie Strader by a vote of 1,087-915 in the District Four contest. George Gruendel also secured his District Six seat by a vote of 1,018 to 897 over Sheri Green.

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New Dent County Jail approved by a wide margin - The Salem News