Days after the approving the hire of four new deputies and in the wake of a multimillion-dollar jail construction project, Belmont County officials said they may now have to ask taxpayers for financial help.

On Wednesday, officials said they discussed the possibility of putting a jail levy on the 2009 ballot because the county auditor said they can't afford the new expenses without it.

Commissioner Mark Thomas said the news of a possible jail levy is "absolutely surprising" and said he is "totally against it."

Sheriff Fred Thompson said he also learned of the auditor's suggestion on Wednesday and said he didn't have an immediate opinion because he needs "to sit down with some people and discuss it more."

Thomas said the jail levy proposition is one more wrench in the jail program: First, the confusion over the number of deputies to hire. Then, contractors reportedly ruining brand new equipment at the jail before it had been used. Now, the idea of taxpayers helping to pay for the jail even more.

---

Visit Our Politics Page

---

Thomas said a levy is completely against the purpose of the new jail addition, which was intended to save residents money.

"I would be very surprised if the residents, after hearing what has happened over the last there years, would be receptive to any type of levy," he said.

In neighboring Jefferson County, taxpayers have voted against a jail levy twice.

Belmont County commissioners, the county auditor and Sheriff Thompson are expected to discuss the matter more at a later date.

Stay with NEWS9 and WTOV9.com for continuing coverage.