reopenlebanonjail

What I have written below is my own express opinion and experience, and is in no way a direct expression or viewpoint of my agency. When I was hired as a Police Officer with the City of Lebanon 14 years ago, I was introduced to a unique feature of the Lebanon Justice Center: the Lebanon Municipal Jail. For many years, people who had been convicted of misdemeanor crimes within the City Limits of Lebanon and sentenced to jail time would serve that time inside the Lebanon Municipal Jail. More...

As a former Mayor of Lebanon, I have been following the discussion about reopening our municipal jail and the proposed levy that would fund its operation. I believe my experience gives me a perspective worth sharing. During my years as Mayor, I toured the Lebanon jail at least 10 times. I talked with LPD Chief Frank Stevenson and our police officers about the jail and the challenges facing the department. I also discussed the issue with our City Attorney and Municipal Judge. I wanted to...

Directly from the city's website: the cost to operate the jail. As a reminder, the bond that voters approved to build the jail in 2006 -- currently at $1.29 per $1,000 -- will be removed from tax statements after this November. The levy will be $1.06 per $1,000 and will fund all staff and operations for the jail. It can only be used for jail related expenses. We have a jail in Lebanon because 20 years ago, citizens believed it was a priority to have a justice system -- a total justice center...