The Deschutes County Sheriff's Office is pleased with the progress of its new jail expansion.
The expansion will add 22,000 square foot to the existing jail. It includes six additional housing units, and an improved mental health facility. Sheriff Larry Blanton says the project is being funded by a revenue bond and $2.6 million the county set aside.
Blanton: "I'm very happy to say that since 2006 we have not raised the tax rate one penny. We've been living within our means, and in fact we've reduced the tax rate 3 cents per thousand, and we are in a very good position and a very good situation as compared to other counties in the state."
Blanton says the current jail is at full capacity. Construction is expected to be completed by the summer of 2014. Blanton says staffing needs will happen incrementally after it is fully operational.
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