FORT SCOTT — The vote on the sheriff’s $90,139.25 computer bill was also a debate over what Bourbon County’s jail sales tax is for.

“When I voted for the jail sales tax, I didn’t vote for cars and computers,” Chairman Gregg Motley said on Nov. 2, describing what people have told him. He said people told him they voted to build a jail and remodel the courthouse, and that this was his own understanding when he voted for the tax.

Commissioner David Beerbower said he wasn’t a commissioner then, and that “there’s more to it than just building a jail and remodeling the courthouse.” The resolution says the money can be used because the equipment serves the jail and public safety.

Commissioner Mika Milburn-Kee said she wants to review the fund’s balance. “I want to look at the jail sales tax because we approved a lot of cars out of it last year,” she said.

State law, K.S.A. 12-187, says revenue from the 0.4% tax in the April 7, 2015 election “shall be expended solely for the purpose of financing the costs of constructing, furnishing and operating a courthouse, law enforcement center or jail facility improvements.” The law says the tax ends once all authorized project costs are paid. The sheriff’s bill returns to the commission’s agenda Nov. 9.