Minutes 03/29/1995 - Laserfiche WebLink

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WEDNESDAY, MARCH 29, 1995 delivery had shown that no foreseen reduction in current levels of service is anticipated. It was noted that efficiency opportunities may be made available due to the elimination of transfer of cases between the City and County. The Committee concluded that the analysis to date supported the merger alternative if a public policy decision were reached to accept higher capital costs. The Committee recommended additional study of the capital costs issue be authorized, at a cost of $8,600. Mr. Reynolds, County Administrator Robert P. Lawler, Jr., and members of the City and County Social Services staff responded to numerous questions from the members of the Board of Supervisors and Council regarding the Committee's findings. The Board of Supervisors then voted to authorize the additional study of capital costs. Upon motion, duly seconded and by unanimous vote, Council also authorized the additional study and the sharing of one-half of the cost of the study. The next issue to be addressed was a discussion of the regional jail concept. Mr. Reynolds reviewed the history of this issue, which extended back to 1988. Mr. Reynolds noted the study of the City's Corrections System which was performed by Thomas R. Barry, with special emphasis on Mr. Barry's recommendation that a number of community forums be held, the first of which was to focus on regional solutions. City Sheriff Steve Draper said the City Jail, which was designed to hold 18 inmates, now is holding as many as 57. Sheriff Draper stressed the need for action to be taken to relieve the stress on the City Jail, stating that a regional or City-only solution needs to be immediately pursued. Henry County Sheriff H. Frank Cassell said that, if additional space could be converted to jail space in the Henry County facility through relocating certain administrative offices, the