By Toni Gibbons With the elections looming, Navajo County Assistant Manager Bryan Layton gave a final update of Proposition 419, the Jail District Tax, which would raise the county sales tax by one-third of a cent to the Board of Supervisors at the meeting Oct. 23. “Anytime you say a tax increase, we know that is a tough ask,” started Layton. “And we want the people of Navajo County to understand what their vote means.” Over the past few months, the county staff has done nearly 50 presentations to community groups, city and town councils and local chambers of commerce. “Additionally, we have tried to reach people through the County Connections at Show Low TV where we gave some powerful messages,” continued Layton. Most recently, Layton and other staff members have worked to create whiteboard videos that can be viewed at the Navajo County website. Layton took a moment to summarize what a ‘yes’ vote on Proposition 419 means. “A yes vote means that we maintain services throughout the county not based on coal revenues,” said Layton. The third of a cent sales tax will create approximately $2.5 million dollars per year that will offset the loss of sales tax from the Kayenta Mine when the Navajo Generating Station closes at the end of 2019, as well as the projected losses from the closure of the Cholla Power Plant, which is mandated by law to be closed by 2025. Supervisor Jesse Thompson said that it has been a good presentation to people who can understand it. “Although whenever we are together with people who only speak Navajo, we have to explain it to them in Navajo,” said Thompson. Supervisor Jason Whiting reiterated that money made from the sales tax will only be used to maintain the current jail system. “People need to understand what is at risk so they can live with whatever happens. There has been some clarity brought to the conversation. The reality is this is not about a bigger and better jail. We have explained that the jail is here to stay; it is a set cost we cannot run from,” said Whiting. Vice Chairwoman Dawnafe Whitesinger said that she appreciates the information the county shared about the proposition, noting that people have been responding positively. “It’s not because they want to be taxed,” said Whitesinger, “but because of what we have shared. The county has done a good job of sharing what this proposition means to our community. Hearing from Sheriff Clark and how it impacts the services he provides are significant issues for our community.” County Attorney Brad Carlyon said, “The hardest part is having people fully understand that it is not about the jail, but providing county services.” Carlyon went on to share that with the recession in 2008 his office is still seeing the impact of those cuts. “Ten years ago, I had 17 prosecutors. Today I have the authority to have 12, but currently only have 10. I have a number of attorneys that have over 100 cases. If the citizens don’t pass Proposition 419, we will lose the revenue and the case loads could go to 130 to 150. The County Attorney’s office will have to determine what not to prosecute.” Without the tax, the county will face a 20 to 25 percent reduction of staff, which will result in less services and longer response times for many of the administration services as well as the Sheriff’s Office. “This is not a political issue,” said Chairman Steve Williams. “It’s about providing services. Most people are very supportive once they have a chance to understand, but they need to vote their conscious. Most of the cities and towns are very supportive. I appreciate the citizens who have asked questions on this. The sales tax is more equitable and allows visitors who come and use our services to contribute as well.” Layton also reminded the board that the proposed Jail District will save local cities and towns an estimated $8.5 million over the next 20 years. Without a Jail District, those same cities and towns will continue to pay jail fees to incarcerate misdemeanor arrests. Annually, Winslow would save approximately $115,000; Holbrook would save approximately $131,000; and Snowflake-Taylor would save approximately $19,000.
