Building a new jail would support Puyallup police and fight crime. Critics are wrong | Opinion

A recent op-ed published by The News Tribune suggested that building a jail in Puyallup would be a costly mistake. The author couldn’t be more wrong. His claim that his plan will save millions is based on cost estimates from a political action committee which he helps fund, according to campaign finance filings, and is the only significant organization that opposes the proposition.

This project is not just about the jail. The Puyallup City Council and staff have studied carefully how best to ensure the safety of our citizens and the prosperity of our community. The op-ed’s author does not have to look citizens and business owners in the eye when their homes, businesses, cars and mailboxes are broken into and robbed.

Proposition 1 represents a comprehensive solution to rising crime rates. First, it provides a modern facility with the tools and technology to investigate and solve crimes. The facility will be located on South Hill, out of the lahar and train derailment danger zone, and will provide upgraded amenities for female officers. It also includes a downtown station to serve the needs of our downtown regional growth center.

Prop 1 reflects Puyallup’s commitment to minimizing your tax burden. Currently, only 11% of Puyallup residents’ entire property tax bill goes to the city, as our 2023 budget shows. For that, your parks, streets, library, administration, senior center and police and jail are paid for. The rest of your property tax bill goes to other agencies including schools and fire. Local control of this project assures that costs don’t escalate like other tiers of your tax bill.

The city has kept its percentage share low because of our ability to control costs locally. As a result, we have only increased our portion of taxes in the past seven years by 4.2% (the city has only taken its 1% levy increase in 2018, 2019, 2020, and this year) well below the 27% national inflation rate over the same period.

Regarding the jail specifically, we’ve studied all the options, including contracting out. Here’s what we learned: First, rather than cutting costs, contracting for jail beds could increase costs by as much as 25%, according to a study prepared by Barbara Lopez, the Puyallup finance director. Costs associated with transportation, medical care, transfers, etc. all add up, especially when you rely on others for these services.

Second, other jails often refuse to take misdemeanor criminals, leaving them to go free and commit more crimes. The Pierce County jail, for example, is often so short-staffed that it cannot take any criminals, including felonies. These people are immediately released, as Fox 13 Seattle has reported.

Third, other jails require our police to travel up to three hours to book a criminal. Not only does this cost taxpayers money; it also effectively takes our police off our streets, which means less protection for your family and our community. Can you imagine a police officer driving back and forth to SeaTac (one proposed jail facility) during rush hour?

Fourth, contracting out can increase the city’s liability, which could lead to costly lawsuits. One jail facility in Thurston County — which some critics believe we should contract with — is located on tribal land. Because of that, it is not subject to state liability statutes, potentially leaving taxpayers in Puyallup financially responsible for any inadequacies in the facility. Once again, we lose control of our services.

The city of Puyallup leadership is committed to the safety, security and prosperity of our community. Prop 1 embodies that commitment and has won the endorsement of the 25th District Democrats and Republicans alike.

Relying on others for services runs counter to this vision.

The most cost-effective solution will come from the folks who have to answer to voters.

Keep Puyallup safe. Vote yes on Proposition 1.