Following a failed jail bond two years ago, Ada County is taking a different tack to pay for needed facilities and service improvements.
The county is in the process of asking cities within the county to approve impact fees for a jail expansion, coroner’s building, and emergency management services (EMS). The county commissioned a capital improvement plan and impact fee study for each purpose.
In 2023, the county outlined its need for a $50 million bond to pay for a jail expansion, including adding 294 beds, an expanded kitchen, and more facility upgrades. The bond received 65.8% in approval, falling short of the required 66.7% threshold…