Voters will immediately join a ballot proposal to extend the half-cent tax that provides most of the funding for Coconino County Jail.

If Prop. 445 isn’t approved, officials say programs in custody could lose millions of dollars annually.

Voter-approved taxes provide more than $19 million of the prison’s $22 million operating budget.

It covers everything from personnel and operations to rehabilitation programs, education, vocational training and religious services.

Coconino County Sheriff Jim Driscoll says these programs are key to reducing recidivism.

“None of these skills are what some of these inmates often lack in their lives,” Driscoll said. ”

Most of the tax revenue comes from non-resident sales, especially from tourism-related industries such as retail, hotels and restaurants.

Officials warn that there could be serious consequences if Prop. 445 is not passed. The program would likely be curtailed and prisons would have to recoup lost revenue by charging directly to cities and towns for arrests made within their jurisdiction, costing cities such as Flagstaff, Williams and Page significantly. May increase. The county must cover the remaining costs.

The tax is set to expire in 2027 unless approved by voters at the November 8 general election.