Soda Tax Could Quench Sheriff’s Thirst

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. – Madison County Sheriff Blake Dorning is investigating some unusual tactics to raise money to pay jail costs and fund deputy salaries, including a two-cent sales tax to all soft drink purchases.

The sheriff would also like to add an annual public safety charge of $25 to $40 on all homes and businesses. The new fees might be necessary because traditional avenues have not been successful. Sheriff Dorning has already approached the Madison County Commission and requested an additional $3 million, which would bring his total budget to around $15 million, but the outlook is not optimistic.

The additional funding is necessary to increase deputy salaries. Sheriff Dorning says he continually loses deputies to higher paying law enforcement agencies in surrounding communities. He hopes to give raises of $1,400 to $2,200 depending on experience, and he wants to give merit bonuses of up to $1,100. The commission chairman asked that a study be conducted to review pay scale for all county workers to see how they compare with surrounding communities.

Additionally, the sheriff stated that more money is required to operate the jail, which currently has a $9 million annual budget. He predicts that inmate health care will drive up costs even further. Dorning’s wish-list also includes eight courthouse security guards to replace the sworn deputies who currently screen people and belongings, two new patrol cars and new pepper spray.

It is expected that prison capacity will be discussed during the legislative session next year, but officials don't anticipate a huge push for new construction. Recently, the board approved spending $4.2 million to replace a wastewater treatment plant at the Pack Unit in Navasota and another $1.2 million to repair and modify emergency lighting at the Walls Unit in Huntsville.