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Show Thursday, July 5, 2007 The Gunnison Valley Gazette Page 5 The Outdoor Report Fire restrictions expanded statewide Mark Henline/Gunnison Valley Gazette A new bishopric was called to serve in the Gunnison 1st Ward. Front row from left to right is Jim Sanders who was called as first counselor, Brent Jensen as bishop, and Shannon Jensen as 2nd counselor. Standing: John Roper as assistant executive secretary, Lynn Ivie as Executive secretary, and Paul Greener as ward clerk. Sanpete County Commissioner’s Report The state of the Sheriff’s Complex The Sanpete County Commissioners and the County Sheriff have invested large amounts of time and energy in preparation for the construction of the new Sheriff’s Complex (jail). With the initial construction to begin soon, we felt it was important for citizens of the County to be apprised of the process and procedures now leading to onthe-ground construction. First, County Commissioners and the Sheriff would like to remind citizens of the need for this new Sheriff’s Complex: • Current jail is woefully inadequate. o Currently at maximum capacity w/inmates housed at other facilities o Cannot house female inmates o Old bar style cells create danger to inmates and jailers o Easy access to contraband o Antiquated booking area w/numerous blind spots o Harder to be in compliance with State & Federal regulations • Current jail is located in heart of residential housing area and is over 20 years old. Second, one year ago the projected cost for the construction of the jail was $12,000,000. Citizens of Sanpete County voted to pledge their property taxes to finance ½ of the projected cost through a General Obligation (GO) bond for any revenue shortfall in construction of the jail. The estimated tax impact to property owners was communicated as: In a year’s time, the projected cost of the Sheriff’s complex has increased to almost $20,000,000. Through downsizing, cost savings, sweat-equity and cost cutting analyses, the jail is now estimated to cost approximately $17,000,000. In spite of this dramatic increase in cost, we still believe now is the time to complete this important project. In order to fund the construction of the Sheriff’s Complex, the County will need to assess taxes to repay the GO Bond and utilize additional revenue sources to pay back the other loans used to construct the jail. Citizens will see an increase to their 2007 property taxes consistent with the chart shown below: The GO bonds were sold this May at the excellent rate of 4.167%. In addition to the $6,000,000 GO bond, the County acquired $6,000,000 from the Community Impact Board (CIB) at the rate of 3.5%. Then, to provide a cushion for anticipated increases in the construction cost, the County petitioned the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) for a $3,000,000 loan at a 4.125% interest rate. At the beginning of June this year, the County successfully petitioned the CIB for an additional $2,350,000 at 2 ½% interest for all loans approved (a total of $8,350,000) and to increase the payback to 30 years versus 25 years. To fill the 128 beds in the jail and facilitate loan repayment, state prisoners will be contracted at a rate of $46.50 per day, and federal marshal prisoners will be housed at a rate of approximately $50.00 per day. The new jail will have space to sell beds to our neighboring counties as well as to possible out-of-state prisons. Immigration may also be pursued as a possible revenue source for housing INS prisoners. Some space within the administration area will be leased to Adult Probation and Parole, and lease negotiations are on-going with Utah Highway Patrol. The County Commissioners and Sheriff, in collaboration with our Zions Bank financial advisor and architect, have worked diligently to bring the jail within the budget of funds available. The County will not expend more than can be repaid. In addition, County residents cannot be billed for jail revenue shortfalls. Your bond-specific financial support ends with the GO bond. There is no mechanism the County can utilize to increase taxes to pay off these supplemental loans. Third, the benefits of this new Sheriff’s Complex cannot be overstated: • The Sheriff’s Complex will be a modern, state-of-the-art facility that will dramatically reduce the potential liabilities inherent in the current facility, including video arraignment and visitation. • The County will be able to protect its citizens by safely and securely incarcerating inmates. o Accommodate the current & projected growth of the County o Accommodate the needs of all cities & towns of the County o Free up much needed space at the Courthouse for better service to citizens o Provide for female housing thus saving the County money spent by housing at other facilities • The Sheriff’s Complex will provide up to 20 new jobs • By leasing out extra beds to state and federal inmates, County residents can build a $20 million jail while only paying taxes to fund the $6 million GO bond Sanpete County continues to be one of the fastest growing counties in central Utah and is the most populous. Every community in the County relies on a safe, efficient jail facility that will house offenders with minimum exposure to legal challenges. Sanpete County is looking to the future with an emphasis on trying to provide vital public services in a timely, safe and cost effective way. We look forward to celebrating the opening of this new Sheriff’s Complex near the end of 2008. It will be a great benefit to the safety and security of all County citizens. We are confident that the citizens will quickly realize the value of this important investment. Ute Stampede Fun Run The 30th Annual Ute Stampede Family Fun Run will be held Saturday, July 14 beginning at the Nephi City Park. Registration will begin at 7 am at the park. A 5K race will begin at 7:30 am and a 1/2 mile race for children 12 and under will begin at 8 am. The entry fee for the children’s race is $6. The fee for the 5K is $12 or $10 for pre-registration (by July 12). Registration forms are available at the Nephi City Office or from Bruce Hall or Rick Welsh. Participants will receive a t-shirt and refreshments. Trophies will be awarded for first place male and female finishers and first place Nephi finishers. Medals will be awarded for first, second and third place finishers in 14 divisions. All participants are eligible for the prize drawing at the conclusion of the races. Prizes are donated by many Nephi businesses. Additional information is available from Bruce Hall 435-6231485 or Rick Welsh 435--623-2285. LOOKING FOR A BOY SCOUT SHIRT ? The Gunnison 1st Ward has scout shirts available at a great price. Sizes youth to adult. Call Shannon @ Jensen 528-3797. Wildland fire managers have announced that fire restrictions currently in effect in Washington County and areas west of Interstate 15 will be expanded statewide to take effect at 12:01 a.m., Wednesday, July 4, 2007. The restrictions apply to all federal, state, and private lands and remain in effect until rescinded. The following acts are prohibited on the above-mentioned lands: 1. Setting, building, maintaining, attending, or using open fire of any kind, ex- cept campfires within approved fire pits and grills provided for, in improved campgrounds, picnic areas, and permanently improved places of habitation, or except as otherwise authorized. Devices fueled by petroleum or liquid propane gas (LPG) products are allowed in all locations. 2. Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle, camp trailer, or building, a developed recreation site, or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared to mineral soil. 3. Discharging, or using any kind of fireworks, tracer ammunition, or other incendiary devices in any location on federal, state, and unincorporated private lands. (Note that these acts are always prohibited on Federal Lands.) All other fire restrictions, or necessary exemptions to the restrictions, will be handled through local “permits” issued by the responsible agency for that purpose. This order does not affect incorporated towns and cities, or the high Uintas Wilderness Area. The Outdoor Report is Sponsored by: 528-5001 Hwy 89 Northeast of Gunnison Open Monday - Saturday The First Word and Last Name in Log Homes! Think Satterwhite for Log Homes, Rough Lumber, Timbers, Animal Bedding and Firewood Lotsa Motsa Sports Calendar Wrestling Wrestling Camp • July 12, 13 & 14 Gunnison High School Wrestling Room Pizza • Calzone Breadsticks • Salad Free Delivery (Limited Area) 528-3792 57 South Main • Gunnison Happy to Serve You White Sweet Summer Time Savings Corn on the Cob $2.99doz. Relish .88c Seedless Watermelon .39c lb. 15 oz. With Beans Asst. Nally 8-9 oz. Hot, Lean or Croissant Asst. 5for$5 6for$10 Chili Western Family 10 oz. Asst. Juicy Sweet Whole Western Family 16 oz. Asst. Refried Beans 2for$1 Pockets Western Family Barbecue Sauce QUALITY MEATS .79c Super Saver Pack Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts - $1.59 lb. 93% Super Lean Super Saver Pack Ground Beef - $2.39 lb. Super Saver Pack Beef Sirloin Tip Oven Roast - $2.39 lb. Super Saver Pack Beef Petite Sirloin Steaks - $3.79 lb. Boneless Full Cut Beef Round Steaks - $2.49 lb. FARM FRESH PRODUCE Juicy Sweet Whole Honeydew Melons - 2 for $1 10-11 oz. Classic Romaine or Just Lettuce Dole Salad - 2 for $3 Large Hydroponic Tomatoes- $1.29 lb. Juicy Sweet Black or Red Plums - $1.49 lb. Bolthouse Farms 1 lb. Bag Baby-Cut Carrots - $1.29 ea. Sweet Walla Walla Onions - .99c lb. Crisp Cucumbers - .59c ea. BAKERY & DELI 9 ct. Asst. Brownies - 2 for $6 8 ct. Hamburger or Hot Dog Buns - 2 for $3 8 ct. Cinnamon Rolls - $2.99 8” Pumpkin Pie - $1.99 BirchBerry Southern Fried Jumbo Chicken Tenders - $3.99 lb. Table Top 16 oz. Asst. Salsa - 2 for $5 Prices Effective thru July 10, 2007 |
