Voters in Faulk County Give Go-Ahead for $5.5 Million Jail

FAULKTON, S.D. (AP) — Residents of Faulk County have approved higher property taxes to fund a new jail.

The American News reports that 77 percent of the 726 voters in Tuesday's election favored the move. Turnout was high, with nearly half of registered voters going to the polls.

The county's existing jail was built in 1930 and has the capacity for 16 prisoners. The new lockup will hold 35 inmates. However, county commissioners say the project will be scrapped if bids come in higher than the estimated $5.5 million.

If the new jail is built, taxes will go up $64 per year for the owner of a property valued at $100,000.

Copyright 2015 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.