A proposal from Attala County was heard by the Carroll County Board of Supervisors that would house dozens of inmates in the Vaiden jail.
Talks of the Attala County Jail closing has led to a proposition of up to two dozen county inmates and 12 state inmates being housed at CMRCF.
According to Carroll County Chancery Clerk Sugar Mullins, the move could lead to extra money pouring into the county.
"I think it's a chance for additional revenue," Mullins said. "But right now, this is just a proposal."
With the county currently holding 220 inmates at the Vaiden facility, Carroll County Sheriff Jerry Carver said the county is receiving $20 per inmate each day.
Carver said for the Attala County inmates, $25 a day would be a sound amount. The sheriff said Attala inmates will not be part of the joint county state work program.
Mullins said earlier that he feels $20 a day plus Attala County handling medical expenses and transportation is feasible.
"We can give them a Tylenol for a headache, but I think they should handle every other medical expense," Mullins.
Board President Honey Ashmore said he does not want the county to feel a burden from the agreement.
"If we can't make a little money out of this, we don't need them," Ashmore said.
Ashmore said there needs to be a good understanding of Attala's proposal.
The board did not vote on the proposal, but Mullins said several things have to be done before a final decision is made.
"We have a lot to do," Mullins said. "This is just a start."
Carver said he will talk with jail consultant Ed Hargett about the matter.
Currently, Attala inmates are housed at the Holmes-Humphreys County Correctional Facility in Lexington, Leake County Correctional Facility in Carthage, and the Winston-Choctaw County Regional in Louisville.
Beat Five Supervisor Rickie Corley, whose beat the facility lies within, said the proposal is the ideal situation for the county given the circumstances.
"We've got empty beds out there and that's how we make our money," Corley said. "I think it's a win-win situation for all three counties. I don't think they will send the inmates over here and expect us to lose money."
Corley said if bringing in the inmates to CMRCF will bring in a few more jobs, he is for it.
"The inmates will go somewhere and the county they go to will be paid," Corley said.
Corley said of the three other jails, Vaiden is closer to the Attala County jail.
Post a Comment