Council hears jail expansion proposal
Commissioners look at ways to generate revenue
Wanda English Burnett - Editor

At the regular meeting of the Ripley County Council held Tuesday, February 15, Commissioner Robert Reiners told the council a possibility for making money for the county would be to expand the present jail facility.

Reiners told the Osgood Journal that all three commissioners had been researching ways to generate funds for the county and all were in favor of looking at the possibility of expanding the present jail facility to do just that.

A profit was turned from jail funds in 2004 for the first time in its history, according to Ripley County Sheriff Bill Davison.

While he's not promoting or knocking the idea of an additional 60 bed facility, he noted that last year the statistics reflect a $26,642.00 income over expenses. He also looked at this year's figures, and already in the month of January, the jail has generated the most revenue ever for one month - $66,000.

Reiners noted the commissioners had been in contact with the State Jail Inspector Paul Downing, and he noted that the state pays $59.00 per day to house prisoners in state facilities. They only have to pay $35.00 a day to house them in county jails. The difference saves the state money and allows the counties to make some money at the same time.

For the first time, Ripley County is actually taking in money, instead of having to pay to have their prisoners housed in outside facilities. Not only are they saving money on their own prisoners, but making money on others that are brought to the jail from Ohio and Switzerland counties and the Department of Corrections.

Last year revenue generated from keeping outside prisoners in the Ripley County Jail was $597,385.00, according to statistics submitted to council members. Additional revenues such as home incarceration, intermittent jail sentences (weekenders), prisoner transports, inmate medical, and more came up to $93,649.00.

Revenue for 2004 was $691,034.00, with expenses being $664,392.00, leaving a $26,642.00 profit to the county.

If an addition was considered, the sheriff said it could easily be added to the east side of the present facility. "No more land would have to be acquired," he noted.

Reiners noted that the present kitchen and laundry facility would adequately take care of the additional prisoners. He further noted that the county wouldn't have to borrow any money to build the addition. "We have the funds in the Cumulative Capital Fund. Property taxes wouldn't take a hike due to the project," he said.

Sheriff Davison, along with Jail Administrator Lee Mathews know the jail business unfortunately is big business and if administered properly, can be a way to generate funds for the county. "If I have an empty bed, I get it filled," said the Sheriff. He noted that while he's not in the "business to make money," if the jail is run properly, it does just that - make money.

To add space for 60 additional inmates, along with the present capacity of 99, would bring the total to 159 prisoners. There would, of course, be additional staff needed such as jail officers, utilities, meals and supplies. An estimated cost to run the jail with 159 prisoners would be $1,121,705.00 for one year. Estimated income for the year would be $1,266,500.00, leaving income over expenses at $144,795.00, per year.

There would be no medical expenses with the additional inmates, according to the sheriff, because those expenses are absorbed by the agency the inmate is being held for.

"The ultimate goal of the county commissioners is to have a balanced budget and we're not there right now," commented Reiners. He also noted that the commissioners try to find ways to generate dollars for the County General Fund, and then present those ideas to the council.

"Hats off to the sheriff's department for even considering taking on the added responsibility of additional prisoners," Reiners noted. "It's a big job and they won't get a pay increase, just the satisfaction of knowing they've contributed to the county general fund, that badly needs it," he concluded.

While the proposal of an addition to the jail is just in the idea stage, Reiners noted the council members have been given statistics and asked to review them. The subject will be brought before the council in future meetings.