The Lane County Jail Levy renewal will pass. According to initial election results, updated 7:00 p.m. Wednesday. 79.31% of voters — or almost 66,000 people — are in favor of the levy.
The jail levy, represented by the Lane County Public Safety Committee, would levy $0.55/$1,000 assessed property value for five years beginning fiscal year 2023/24 to fund the maintenance of a minimum of 255 local jail beds for the next five years. The levy would also go toward investments in medical mental health services for offenders and will continue funding for counseling, secure treatment and detention services for youth offenders.
According to Oregon campaign finance data, the Oregon Realtors political action committee was the biggest financial supporter of the levy, with a total donation of $84,930. The other highest donors were Sierra Pacific Industries with $10,000, Murphy Company with $10,000, Chief Sustainability Officer of Tucker Freight Lines Jordan Pape with $10,000, and CEO of King Estate Winery Ed King with $10,000.
“The renewal of the Lane County Public Safety Levy show that this community remains committed to our safety,” Lane County Sheriff Cliff Harrold said over a press release. “I am very thankful that Lane County residents recognize the need for a functional jail system including local jail beds to help hold those accused of violent and dangerous crime accountable.”
The Lane County Public Safety Justice PAC is the levy’s major opponent. The PAC has not received any campaign contributions.
“I’m disappointed but the work will continue,” Jacob Trewe, lead organizer against the jail levy said to the Emerald. “We’re working to build up alternative ways of conflict resolution and advocating towards that.”
The $5.33 million City of Eugene Parks Levy has received 65.62% votes in support, according to initial results, and 34.38% votes against. The levy’s main supporter is Yes for Eugene Parks and Recreation, which has received $26,000 in total contributions. The levy’s largest donors were the Eugene Parks Foundation, with $9,650 and AFSCME Local 1724, with $4,000.
The levy will go toward increasing police officer and parks employee response to illegal activity and homeless camps in Eugene parks. The levy will fund general park maintenance and habitat and natural area maintenance, as well as recreation programming.
“This [levy] passed with 66% yes and what this confirms is how much we love our parks.” President of Eugene Parks Foundation Board Terry Smith said to the Emerald. “U of O students have some local places to recreate in, but they also use, particularly Alton Baker Park…You’ll see continued maintenance of Alton Baker Park and some additional safety patrols.”
Editor’s note: This story has been updated to reflect the correct name of the Lane County Jail Levy.
