Habersham County Sheriff Joey Terrell makes a presentation during Monday night’s town hall meeting on the county’s proposed jail bond referendum. (Daniel Purcell/Now Habersham)
People gathered at the Cornelia Community House Monday evening to learn more about Habersham County’s proposed jail bond referendum. The two-hour-long meeting was the first of two town halls county commissioners have scheduled to discuss the upcoming bond vote on November 5.
Commission Chair Stacy Hall said Monday night’s crowd was the largest of any town hall meeting he’s seen in his time in office. The sheriff and commissioners presented their case, explaining to those gathered why a new jail is needed.
Audience members asked questions. Many seemed to agree that a new jail is needed but said they prefer to fund it through a special local option sales tax rather than a property tax increase. Commissioners previously said that’s not an option because the jail would consume so much of the SPLOST spending there would be nothing left for the hospital debt and other capital projects.
Voters will decide
Habersham County voters will decide whether to approve nearly $32 million in bonds to build a new 314-bed jail. County commissioners say a new jail is urgently needed to ease overcrowding, make operations more efficient, and protect the safety of detainees and staff.
The new jail could expand to a 504-bed facility to meet future needs, according to the county.
If the bond is approved, commissioners would raise property taxes by 1.38 mils. That would cost the average homeowner approximately $72 more per year.
The last day to register to vote in the November 5 election is October 7.
If you missed Monday night’s meeting, you can watch a recorded version of it later on Now Habersham. Also, you’ll have another chance to attend one in person. A second town hall meeting will be held at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, October 10, in the commission conference room at the Habersham County Administration Building located at 130 Jacob’s Way in Clarkesville.
