Pueblo voters reject tax increase for new jail, support renewing half-cent tax for jobs

Pueblo County voters rejected footing the bill for a new jail, with 56 percent voting against a one-cent tax increase for a new jail.

Sheriff Kirk Taylor said he’s disappointed but plans to ask voters a similar question next year.

“The jail’s not getting any younger,” Taylor said.

Undersheriff J.R. Hall believes the main reason the tax initiative failed is because there was no money spent on promoting it. Had it passed, the tax would have gone primarily to build a jail, as well as to turn the current jail into a drug treatment facility and to give employees a raise.

When KRDO NewsChannel 13 toured the jail a few months ago, deputies pointed out the current jail is overcrowded and needs several upgrades — including $4 million in new plumbing.

KRDO NewsChannel 13 asked Hall why the Sheriff’s Office wants to build a new jail, instead of fixing the current one.

“You know that may be an option. The problem is the cost. The cost per maintenance is about $12 to $15 per square foot of this building and in a new building it would be $6,” Hall said. “So eventually the cost of a new building would be outweighed by the cost of trying to fix this old building.”

Pueblo County voters rejected a tax increase for a jail, but city voters supported renewing the half-cent sales tax for jobs. That measure passed by 61 percent, which means the half-cent sales tax will stay in place until Dec. 31, 2021.

Three new Pueblo City School board members were elected. Barb Clementi received the most votes, wtih 21 percent, followed by Frank Latino and Bobby Gonzales. Incumbent Board Member Mike Colucci did not get enough votes to get back on the board.

And four seats were up for grabs on Pueblo City Council. Voters chose Lori Winner and incumbent Chris Nicoll, as well as Larry Atencio and Ray Aguilera.