In over their heads
A couple of weeks ago, we noted how snakebitten Multnomah County has been when it comes to building new courthouses. For example, the budget for the new Gresham court facility had gone up from $16.35 million to $21.1 million, which was causing consternation.
Yesterday new numbers surfaced, and ka-ching! We're up to $27.5 million. And that's before they've even drawn up the formal plans. If they cut the project back, they'll have a mutiny on their hands from the East County folk who offered to throw in a few million toward a super-duper joint.
Quite the pickle for Wheeler and Little Big Pipe.
And if they can't get this simple little drive-through pop stand built, imagine the time they'll have putting up a $200 million-plus high-rise courthouse in downtown Portland -- where the obstacles are far more daunting. Then there's that little bridge that's falling down...
Suffice it to say, don't expect new-car smell on jury duty any time soon.
| Posted at 7:03 AM | Permalink |
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Comments (6)
This is off subject but is reflective of a lack of financial sense in our current governance. Recently, I got an e-mail from state representative Diane Rosenbaum and state senator Kate Brown stating the federal stimulus checks are not taxable by the state but it also went on to say it would reduce the federal tax deduction taken on state tax returns. These two statements taken together are in conflict for some taxpayers. Those in middle to low income ranges could see their federal tax deduction go down because they fall below the $5,500 cap on federal tax deduction if I interpret the statement correctly. This would raise their taxable Oregon income. So in essence for low and middle income earners the stimulus checks could be state taxable if the e-mail is correct, or isn't leaving out something.
Posted by Bob Clark | June 24, 2008 8:30 AM
Jack - As a Gresham homo owner, it's my understanding that the price of the East County Court House has gone up in part due to a change of location. The Gresham Outlook published an article some time ago that mentioned the original property that was supposed to be used was not for sale; and the County then looked for another nearby property - which cost them more.
The bottom line is that this project is desperately needed in East County, where most of Multnomah County's population growth is located. As things currently stand, there is limited jail space in Gresham and most court proceedings are still held in downtown Portland. This requires almost everyone to take a trip downtown - police, defendants, attorneys, and all civil court matter parties. The transportaion costs alone will eventually be saved by having court and jail space in Gresham. Not to mention the East County Sheriff's Offices and Gresham Police will have a new offices to work from.
Posted by Dave A. | June 24, 2008 9:16 AM
Is it really legal to own those in Gresham? Wow!
Posted by Larry K | June 24, 2008 9:35 AM
It's nice to hear from another proud homo owner.
Posted by Jim | June 24, 2008 1:59 PM
I have to give Wheeler some credit - he actually implied they have to live with their means at the county. God, did Cruz, Naito, Rojo screw this up.
Posted by Steve | June 24, 2008 10:28 PM
Sorry I didn't use a spell check before making my post. Too busy making money in the stock market that morning.
Posted by Dave A. | June 25, 2008 9:47 AM