JEROME - The two-thirds supermajority requirement proved to be too high a bar for the proposed Jerome County jail to clear Tuesday night, as 65 percent of voters approved the measure, failing by only 1.16 percent.

There were 1,191 votes in favor, or 65.5 percent, of the proposed Jerome County Justice Facility that would include a combination sheriff's station and jail, and 626, or 34 percent, votes against it. There were 1,823 votes cast.

State law requires a 66.6 percent supermajority for local government agencies to enter long-term debt.

Jerome County reported that 22.6 percent of registered voters went to the polls.

Voters were asked whether to give county commissioners authority to enter into a 30-year, $13.5 million lease-to-purchase agreement for a 165-bed jail that would also include administrative offices for the sheriff's department and a law enforcement training facility.

"I certainly appreciate the voter support for those who voted," said Commissioner Cathy Roemer. "We came very close and that tells me the need is very great for a new justice facility. I appreciate the people coming out and exercising their right to vote."

Concerns for safety and civil liability with the 35-year-old Jerome County Jail have left county officials feeling they have no alternative except to build a new jail.

The total cost of lease payments to the county over 30 years would have been a little under $30 million, based on a cap in the ballot question of $985,000.

John Plestina may be reached at jplestina@magicvalley.com or 208-358-7062.