Dear Editor,
In 2015, Utah passed H.B. 348, which “reduces sentences for certain drug crimes and divert more offenders to community-based treatment so they can stay connected to their families and support networks.”
The purpose of the bill is to reduce the number of people incarcerated for certain types of drug offenses. The number of inmates coming to Grand County from the State of Utah will probably be significantly reduced. State funds for supporting these inmates will also be significantly reduced. Grand County should not assume that the current amount of state funds will be available to repay the loans required to reconstruct the current jail facilities.
The Grand County Council needs to revisit the design of the new jail facilities and may want to consider using some of the area for additional office space.
