This November, Coconino County voters will be given a choice.

On behalf of the Coconino County Oversight Board, I am pleased to report that the Coconino County Jail Program in Detention is working and showing excellent results. being accepted, reunited with family, and reintegrated into the community. Many find fulfilling jobs and continue their addiction recovery journeys. The changes we’ve seen are significant, and have come since the 2007 he-half-cent prison tax went into effect.

The prison tax, known as the County Jail District Excise Tax, provides substance abuse and mental health treatment and helps people acquire life skills and vocational training, get an education, practice mindfulness, and become healthy. has funded in-custody programs to help people adopt healthy habits. Connect to resources that support the transition to life outside prison.

The county prison system has had great success with these programs, especially the substance abuse program EXODUS. This multifaceted 90-day voluntary course teaches participants about how drugs affect the body and brain, helping inmates break free from addiction and find a different life for themselves. help you see Provides meditation practices, communication and parenting skills, and expressiveness. Provides tools for managing emotions such as anger, shame, and sadness. Case managers say there are noticeable differences between those who go through the EXODUS program and those who do not.

Coconino County Sheriff Jim Driscoll said the programs had a breakthrough effect on the vicious cycle of alcohol and drug abuse, crime and prison remand. “Substance abuse is a serious problem and a recurring problem for our county criminal justice system,” he said. I witnessed.”

The National Institute for Corrections reports that, on a national average, 70% of inmates return to prison where there are no in-custody drug and alcohol abuse programs. But his EXODUS in our county jail reversed the scenario. Less than 30% of those who participated in the program ended up in prison.

“EXODUS makes good use of their time in custody with enhanced educational programs, vocational training and life skills,” said Sheriff Driscoll. “Funding from prison taxes will make prisons places where people can heal, reset their lives, and have hope for an addiction-free future. I leave prison with my skills, new perspectives and optimism for life outside of prison.”

There are other benefits to having such a system. For example, the county received a grant this summer to establish Pathways to Community. The program continues to provide valuable support to those leaving the prison system, including housing, food, clothing, job training, addiction recovery and mental health.

Additionally, the funds generated by prison taxes cover most of the operating costs of prisons, including staffing, maintenance, renovations, medical and food costs. With this support, his $22 million needed to run the prison each year won’t have to come from elsewhere, including the county general fund and local government budgets.

A 0.5 cent sales tax (50 cents on a $100 purchase) is levied on purchases subject to the same tax as state sales tax, such as retail goods and services, lodging and restaurant bills. Household groceries are not taxed, and approximately one-third of prison taxes are paid by visitors and non-residents. Because they too benefit from the prison tax.

There is no doubt that the program funded through prison taxes has changed lives. Individuals and families have recovered, communities have become safer from drug-related crime, and prison populations have decreased. In addition, most of the operating costs required to operate county jails are paid through prison taxes.

The prison tax’s current term ends on June 30, 2027. In the general election ballot, voters are being asked whether to extend the County Jail District Excise Tax for 25 years, effective through December 31, 2051.

The question appears as Proposition 445: Should the Coconino County Jail District Board of Directors be empowered to extend the term of the existing County Jail District Sales Tax (Sales Tax) by 25 times from 0.005 cents ($.005)? Year?

The Prison District Sales Tax Information Brochure is currently being mailed. Includes letters from county residents, frequently asked questions, and assigned polling place locations.

The last day to register to vote is Tuesday, October 11th. Early voting begins Wednesday, October 12th. Voting will also be open from 6am to 7pm on Tuesday, November 8th.

For more information on Extending the Prison District Sales Tax, Proposition 445, visit: coconino.az.gov/jailtax.FBN

Patrice Horstmann

For more information about voting in the November election, contact the Coconino County Elections Office at 928-679-7860 or coconino.az.gov/elections.

Patrice Horstmann serves as Chair of the Coconino County Board of Supervisors.