Instead of raising the levy supporting Josephine County’s adult jail and its juvenile detention center to meet current demands, Commissioners chose to keep the 93 cents per thousand rate the same as it’s been for the last 10 years. The levy, approved by voters in 2017 at 93 cents and renewed at the same rate in 2021is now up for voter approval in November. According to Commissioner Gary Richardson, the county’s Finance Department determined a levy of $1.20 per thousand would be needed to fully fund both facilities for the next five years. It costs around $13 million to run both facilities. The adult jail takes up $10 million of that.  Despite the projected shortfall, attributed to rising expenses and labor costs, Commissioners voted unanimously Wednesday to keep the rate at 93 cents, committing to fully funding the adult jail and partially funding the juvenile facility with the levy.  Richardson said there is enough flexibility in the general fund to help support juvenile justice for the next two or three years. Meanwhile, they can explore other sources of funding to fill the gap. Commissioner Colene Martin said by leaving the level at 93 cents, the county will have to come up with $3 million to continue supporting the juvenile facility. She said the county may get about $1 million from timber sales next year, which are restricted to supporting veterans and the juvenile justice center. Commissioners all said they are fully committed to keeping the jail and the juvenile justice center going as both are crucial to maintaining public safety in the county.