Extra money for housing offenders

Rising costs and a lack of state money have created some issues for counties housing sexual predators who are awaiting civil trial.

Sponsored by Rep. Larry Haws (DFL-St. Cloud), HF850 would authorize a special levy for the difference between one-half the costs of confining sex offenders undergoing the civil commitment process and any state payments for this purpose. The House Property and Local Sales Tax Division held the bill over March 18 for possible inclusion in its report to the House Taxes Committee. There is no Senate companion.

According to the Department of Revenue, if cities or counties choose to impose special levies under the bill, the result would be an increase in state payments of homestead property tax refunds due to an increased property tax burden on homeowners.

Keith Carlson, executive director of the Metropolitan Inter-County Association, said counties have been hit with about a cumulative $7 million annual cost because of a rise in civil commitments.

Janet Reigstad, community supports division director with Stearns County, said between 2004 and 2008, the lowest amount paid by the county for sex offender holds was almost $37,000 for three offenders in 2006. The next year it cost almost $202,000 for five offenders.

“Hold costs should not be borne solely by the county real estate tax levy,” Reigstad said. “Ideally there would be a state appropriation so the costs would be borne by the state or shared between the state and counties.”

County social service agencies are required to carry out duties under the Civil Commitment Act for people considered sexually dangerous. Prior to the actual commitment court hearing, people can be held involuntarily at treatment facilities through either an emergency hold, by a doctor or by the court. Sex offenders can be held for an indefinite period beyond the 14-day limit. Counties are responsible for paying all costs for these holds.