It would allow the county to issue bonds and accept state matching funds to restore our historic but crumbling Crook County Courthouse and create a new justice center. MEASURE 7-74
--> Restores our historic courthouse
--> Creates a modern justice center to allow safe and speedy trials
--> DOESN’T raise taxes on anyone
--> Voting YES allows the county to issue bonds and receive matching funds f
rom the state
The county has referred Measure 7-74 to your November ballot. It would allow the county to issue bonds and accept state matching funds to restore our historic but crumbling Crook County Courthouse and create a new justice center to ensure safe and speedy trials going forward. The most important thing to know about the courthouse bond is that it will help restore our proud courthouse, create a justice center and NOT have our taxes go up. Voting yes allows us to secure matching funds from the state so we can remain the wonderful place we are without adding to our cost of living.
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How much will this cost? The state of Oregon and the data centers will pay for most of it, with county funds paying for the rest. The total bond is up to $35 million to fix the current courthouse and construct a justice center to hold trials going forward. What’s wrong with the old courthouse? It’s beautiful from the outside, but cramped and crumbling within. Old vaults are now offices and there is no air conditioning or privacy. Safety and security are severely compromised, leaving everyone vulnerable to the risk of human or natural disasters. What will they do with the old courthouse? The 112-year-old courthouse is structurally unsound. The county will strengthen the integrity of the building while adding central air. Then they will use it for county offices so it can still serve us. Why can’t it still be our courthouse? There is not enough space to meet the needs for fair trials. The District Attorney’s office runs the risk of the court dismissing criminal cases for lack of speedy trials. Where is the justice center going to be? The county plans to build a modern justice center where the old bowling alley in downtown Prineville is (behind Wells Fargo).
