Lane County is asking voters to renew its jail and youth services levy

Lane County officials on Tuesday approved what they say will provide a public safety basis for a possible revision to the May ballot.

“We have such minimal operations in our jail that it’s really barely keeping our heads above water,” Commissioner Lori Trigger said. “It’s not an extension.”

The Board of Commissioners unanimously approved a voter request to renew the five-year levy, which will fund the maintenance of jail capacity, continued mental health services at the jail and treatment of young offenders. An update will appear in the May 16 newsletter.

At 55 cents per $1,000 of assessed value, the tax would raise about $19 million a year and cost the average homeowner about $118 each year, based on the median value of about $214,500. The renewal rate is the same as the current payment.