The Monroe County Council voted Tuesday on a proposed tax hike to fund the construction of a new jail.
The council decided on a 0.175 percent income tax increase to replace the existing Monroe County Jail, which the ACLU and sheriff’s office say is unsafe and beyond repair.
Consultants who recommended the rate increase estimate construction could cost around $152 million.
Read more: Monroe County leaders asking to raise income tax for new justice facility
The council’s original plan was to request a 0.2 percent increase, but it decided to lower the amount.
After a lengthy meeting, the council passed the amended rate, 6 to 1, with Councilor Peter Iverson opposed.
Because the proposed rate was amended, the council is required by state law to hold another public hearing before adopting changes to local income tax. That hearing is scheduled for Oct. 7 at 5p.m.
The Council has to act by November 1 to pass a tax for the beginning of the new year. If it takes longer, it could delay implementation until next October.
