MCKENZIE BRIDGE, Oregon (STPNS) -- Lane County is proposing a five-year spending plan that would allow Sheriff Tom Turner to utilize tax revenue and open, at a minimum, 255 existing jail beds within the County Jail. Concurrently, the Oregon Senate is considering a bill that would allow rural fire districts to contract for law enforcement.

Both topics are on the agenda of the next meeting of the McKenzie River Chamber of Commerce. Sheriff Turner, Chief Deputy Doug Hooley, PIO Sergeant Carrie Carver, and Police Services Captain Byron Trapp are planning to attend. State Senator Floyd Prozanski, sponsor of SB 422, said that although he’ll be serving in the legislature that day, he will try to send a staff person.



Under a proposed Lane County levy, the revenue would also be dedicated to youth services for juvenile offenders, including counseling, secure treatment and detention services. If passed beginning 2013, the county property tax rate would increase by $.55 per $1000 assessed valuation. At that rate, a home valued at $151,000, the annual tax rate would increase by $83. After five years, the tax would sunset, unless re-approved by voters.

Officials say the funds would be placed into a restricted special revenue fund for jail and youth services. Estimates are that over a five year period, the tax would raise almost $78 million.

The chamber meeting will be a luncheon gathering at 12 noon on Thursday, February 21st, at the Eagle Rock Lodge, 49198 McKenzie Hwy. in Nimrod. The public is welcome to attend and reservations are recommended - contact Nadine@Windermere.com or call 541-896-3330.