There are several school districts in the county evaluating attempting a second facility bond on the November ballot. At the same time, Skagit County officials are already trying to pitch a bond to pay for a new jail.

And while many voters may support a school and jail bond in theory, they may not have the available dollars to put that into practice.

Construction costs will keep rising if any of the entities wait, but voters who are already pinching pennies, clipping coupons and tightening their belts because of increased fuel and commodity costs may not be looking forward to adding another bill to their already diminished incomes.

With the increased costs, many business owners also are needing to cut their expenses. Many voters statewide are probably looking at limited pay increases, while others are keeping their fingers crossed they aren’t a victim of layoffs.

Last April, voters countywide rejected school bond proposals. A $46.4 million bond proposed by Mount Vernon received about 53 percent support. Burlington-Edison voters turned down two bonds in the past two years. The latest was a sheared down $59.7 million proposal compared to a $74 million bond tried in September 2006. Sedro-Woolley voters rejected a proposed $45 million bond. Anacortes voters also rejected a second attempt, failing a $62.9 million bond with only 49.4 percent in favor.

The current economy and its hints of a possible recession will continue to play a role in local bonds. While there is a definite need for new or updated facilities, it may also come down to an either or scenario for some voters.

Will they support a new jail or updated school buildings? Some people might be able to support one initiative, but most residents will not be able to support both unless the economy takes a turn for the better and we’re all able to loosen the belts.

Most school officials are scrambling to gather the necessary data on what type of bond voters would support if a measure is placed on the November ballots. These will be pared down efforts that will not address many of the needs of the districts, but faced with rising construction costs schools must try to garner voter support — especially when competing with a countywide jail bond effort.

County officials will most likely run the jail bond in early 2009, so many school officials are rushing to get another bond on the November ballot.

The current jail was originally constructed for 83 inmates. It was remodeled to hold 180 and the current daily population averages about 204.

Law enforcement officials say a new facility is needed to address safety concerns and a projected rise in jail population. Because of the crowded jail, many offenders never see an overnight stay. Officers often must cite suspects for offenses such as car prowls or thefts and then release them immediately because the jail has no space available.

Running bonds during the current economy will invariably lead to a lose-lose situation. If the school bonds fail again, students and parents lose out on having adequate facilities. The entire community loses out because supporting schools results in a better educated workforce.

If a jail bond fails, we continue down the same path of limited consequences for those who don’t believe in following the rules.
Bottom line: Will voters want their money behind bars or in the classroom?

n Richardson is the editor of the Courier-Times. She can be reached at 360-855-1641 or via e-mail at .