This is the WFHB Local News for Tuesday, December 6th, 2022.

Later in the program, the Community Justice Response Committee met last night to continue its discussion on the proposed new jail. Several residents spoke out against the proposal during public comment. More in today’s feature report.

Also coming up in the next half hour, we have Lil Bub’s Lil Show – a co-production between WFHB and Lil Bub’s Big Fund. More following today’s feature. But first, your local headlines:

Monroe County Election Board

A banner reads, "Vote Here Today," at 401 W 7th Street, Suite 100 (Young).

At the Election Board meeting on December 1st, Election Supervisor Karen Wheeler shared the names of the most recent late CFA-4 filings.

Wheeler explained that first time offenders will not be fined if they attend a meeting and explain why they were late, the second time offenders also get a warning without a penalty, the third time offenders are fined 25 percent of the original penalty, and fourth time offenders are fined 100 percent of the penalty which is a 50 dollar fine for every day a candidate is late to turn in their form, up to 1000 dollars.

Board Member Donovan Garlets said that they should consider being less generous with the penalty forgiveness. Wheeler agreed with him.

Board President Shruti Rhana suggested they consider adopting Marion County’s CFA Filing rules, and asked Wheeler for more information on what Marion’s fines look like.

Wheeler said that in Marion County they give out more fines, whereas in Monroe County they are much more lenient. She explained she doesn’t want to fine people, however, she does want candidates to turn in their forms on time.

Rhana asked on behalf of an attendee who was listening virtually, what the CFA form is. Wheeler responded.

County Clerk Nicole Browne added that the candidates are well prepared to meet the deadlines since the county gives them the information they need ahead of time. She also shared why she believes the deadline should be taken seriously.

The Election Board will consider making the deadline more strict and adopting Marion County’s model and their next meeting on January 5th.

Local Officials Continue Conversation of Proposed New Jail

Photo courtesy of CATS 

During the December 5th meeting of the Community Justice Response Committee, the joint panel of county and city officials continued their conversation on the new potential jail.

Jail Commander Sam Crowe said the jail programs are not effective for mental health treatment. He said the community should do a better job of providing mental health before someone enters the jail.

County Councilperson Jennifer Crossley agreed, saying the treatment conversation should happen before someone is incarcerated.

Next, Commissioner Jones transitioned to discussion on jail design and construction following the negative recommendation to rezone the Fullerton Pike site by the Plan Commission.

Monroe County commissioner Julie Thomas confirmed that the Fullerton Pike rezone was not included on this week’s city council agenda, further delaying the rezone initiative.

During public comment, Care Not Cages supporter Max Smith said that he has reservations about building a new facility. He said the community should better fund resources we already have, rather than constructing a new facility.

Maggie, another representative of Care Not Cages, explained she has serious concerns of combining mental health and the criminal justice system.

The Community Justice Response Committee will meet again at 4:30 p.m. on Monday, December 19th on the third floor of the Monroe County Courthouse. The committee allows for public comment toward the end ...