Jail Project Update

A Letter from Sheriff Sickler

On Tuesday night, the Jacksonville city council voted unanimously to be included in the proposed service district to fund the construction and operation of a new jail.  Unfortunately, the Ashland city council, by a vote of 3-2, decided not to be included in the district.

These developments mean we will be unable to complete the process needed to get a funding measure on the November 2019 ballot.  The decisions of the Ashland and Talent councils were certainly disappointing as their decisions took away the opportunity for voters to make a decision regarding the future of a jail project.  However, we must respect that they are the elected officials of their cities and are representing their constituency in the best manner that they can, with the information they have.

As far as moving forward, the process to form a district and secure funding for a new jail will have to start from the beginning.  A new proposal on a new timeline must be developed and each city will once again have to consider whether to join a proposed district.  The Jackson County Board of Commissioners must also decide again whether to move forward on a new proposal.

In the meantime, we at JCSO will continue to work with our partners in the community, local government, and the local criminal justice system.  I want to thank all of the city officials for their consideration in this matter, especially those who supported our attempt to give the voters a chance to have their say.  My hope is, as a collective community, we can work together to find acceptable solutions to the problems our community is experiencing due to a lack of jail capacity. 

Thank you,

Sheriff Nathan Sickler