Criminal justice poll assesses voters' attitudes

By Dan MacArthur
North Forty News

It will take a lot of work convincing Larimer County voters to approve further tax increases for financing expansion of the jail and other criminal justice programs.

That's the none-too-surprising conclusion of an $11,000 poll commissioned by Larimer County. It was aimed at assessing public awareness and attitudes in advance of a ballot issue next year seeking some sort of tax increase to avert a looming criminal justice crisis.

Based on current trends, county officials project a $15 million annual deficit within 10 years with the expiration of the current 0.2 percent sales and use tax dedicated to the justice center expansion and operations.

The scientific survey of 300 registered voters was conducted in August by a Virginia firm. It found that the electorate is "just not ready to vote for significantly higher taxes for detention center expansion and criminal justice system improvements." Further, voters "don't know about the problems, needs and gains of a tax increase."

Extension of the current 0.2 percent sales and use tax would be supported by 71 percent of voters, according to the survey, because they believe the county is doing a good job dealing with crime and operating the jail and justice system. If the county is to seek additional funds, the survey suggests that it build on that credibility, stick to a sales tax lasting no more than five years, and be specific about why it's needed and what it would buy.

"The tax mood is generally positive for a ballot issue campaign to increase taxes," the poll finds, with the qualification that significant numbers still expressed concerns about excessive taxes.

"Voters still must be convinced that the new money being asked for is absolutely needed (and, that without the new tax money, significant consequences will result)," the survey suggests. "In other words, the mood is okay, but not a slam-dunk."

Limited concern about crime and a lack of awareness about jail conditions and recent criminal justice innovations are among the obstacles the county must overcome, according to the poll. Most of those surveyed felt safe. Crime trailed the five other issues tested with only 8 percent ranking it as a top concern. About half the voters claimed no knowledge or opinion about detention center conditions, with least awareness among voters in the southern part of the county.

"I thought it would be worse," said county manager Frank Lancaster. "It's just not on their radar."

Lancaster said the poll was intended to gather baseline information necessary to develop an effective education and outreach effort demonstrating the need for expansion of the jail and especially alternative sentencing programs.