New Vigo Co. jail plans moving forward after council OKs tax hike

ICN file photo

By Lucy Perry 
Indiana Central News

Last night, the Vigo County Council appoved .75 percent local income tax increase to help fund construction of a new jail. The tax increase will also benefit public safety.

The council voted 5-2 to pass the ordinance.

Councilmen Aaron Lowdermilk, Tim Curley, Mike Morris, Bill Thomas and Councilwoman Vicki Weger voted in favor, with Councilmen Brendan Kearns and James Mann voting against the measure.

The lengthy meeting held at the Vigo County Annex building was standing room only, with many residents speaking out against the tax.

The approved ordinance specifies funds raised by the tax will go "to finance, construct, acquire, improve, renovate or equip a county jail and related buildings and parking facilities, including costs related to the demolition of existing buildings and the acquisition of land." The money will also go toward  repaying bonds and leases involved in the project.

Sheriff Greg Ewing and other officials have pointed out the dire need for a new jail after a federal lawsuit brought issues to light regarding the outdated facility.

The new jail project is expected to cost $ 66 million. A site decision for the planned 526 bed facility has not been finalized at this time.

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See Jail Feasibility Study report  here