The Ward County Commission has passed the second reading of a 1/2 cent sales tax to be used for a new office building, Ward County Courthouse remodeling, Ward County Jail expansion, and infrastructure needs.
Estimated costs are $15.3 million for the office building, $10.5 million for the jail expansion, $3.5 million for the courthouse renovation, and $10 million for infrastructure needs. The total estimated cost for the four projects is $39.3 million.
If approved by voters on the November ballot, the sales tax would begin Jan. 1, 2013, and expire Dec. 31, 2022, unless all necessary funds are collected earlier.
-Dan Feldner