The kid jail is fucked, and the county wants to fix it by raising the sales tax one piddly tenth of a percent.

From our pals at CDN:

Today County Councilmember Bob Ferguson announced a proposal to raise the county sales tax one tenth of one percent to fund the construction of a new youth and family services building at 12th & E. Alder.

[T]he current building is described by court members as "falling apart". The list of issues was reiterated again today: failing heating and cooling systems, only a single elevator, cramped conditions for employees and the public, and even "gas emissions" from an old sewer system that occasionally affects some employees.

The proposed tax hike would be dedicated to this project, and would not solve any other county budget issues that are threatening the layoff of sheriffs and prosecutors. Ferguson said there was a chance that it could be tied to other tax proposals that would solve the other funding issues, but that he thinks the YSC replacement is a critical issue that could stand on its own. But there's several steps that have to happen before the tax can become a reality. First it has to pass the county council, picking up three more votes in addition to existing support from Ferguson and Councilmember Gossett. Council approval would put it on the ballot in November, where voters would have the final say.

I toured the YSC facility some time ago, but never ended up writing about it (sorry guys!). However, it totally needs some upgrading. The pipes are fucked up, and the only thing that comes out of the water fountains is nasty brown turd water, the gym in the juvenile detention facility floods, and I'm pretty sure there are whole sections of the building closed off because of mold problems.  All in all, a great place for kids.

This is a worthwhile cause, so let's not argue about it, 'kay?