Welcome to the Corrections Center of Northwest Ohio
| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
In an effort to reduce expenses in 2009, the electronic monitoring program at the Corrections Center of Northwest Ohio was revised to include the layoff of one staff member and the reassignment of another following a lengthy discussion during Wednesday's board meeting.
Board members approved a reduction in the electronic monitoring program in 2009 that calls for the reassigning of one specialist and the layoff of one secretary. Four electronic monitoring specialist and one clerical position will remain.
The reduction in staff will require capping the program to 120 participants. Program participation in past years has peaked to 153. The program at one time was looking at a $200,000 deficit this year but an increase in the participant fee collection rate and revisions by participating courts avoided the shortfall. Program costs are offset by grant funds and participant fees and are not part of the CCNO operating budget.
At first, officials had proposed a designated number of electronic monitoring units be issued to each jurisdiction. But one judge expressed concern that such a proposal would penalize those judges who use the program and contradicts the purpose of the jail diversion program.
After about 30 minutes of discussion, members agreed to maintain the 120-unit cap. In the event a jurisdiction is in need of an electronic monitoring unit, and all 120 electronic monitoring units are being used, the jurisdiction over utilizing its share will be asked to reduce its usage. The standard electronic monitoring unit is $10 per day. If the court orders an individual to be placed on a GPS or alcohol testing unit, the individual placed on a GPS or alcohol testing unit will be responsible for the $15.50 daily charge. A letter was mailed to the participating judges asking for their feedback on the proposed changes.
Members also approved the 2009 budget of $16.5 million, an increase of 1.6 percent. The 2009 per diem rate will be $71.15.
There were no changes in the bed allocation numbers with 62 for Defiance County; 49 for Fulton County; 36 for Henry County; 197 for Lucas County; 244 for the City of Toledo; and 50 for Williams County for a total of 638 beds.
Also approved was a $1 per diem rate for capital improvements, the same as in 2008. Members approved a 2009 operating budget of $460,251.45 for the electronic monitoring program which is separate from the CCNO operating budget. Officials were advised of an estimated $250,000 carryover in the 2008 CCNO operating budget that will be credited back to the jurisdictions.
Members tabled discussion on entering into a contract with Intellitech of Youngstown, Ohio in the event a pay for stay policy is implemented. Officials had considered such a policy eight years ago but let the decision rest with area judges.
Jim Dennis, CCNO Executive Director, said up to $400,000 a year could be generated although Intellitech could get up to 70 percent of what is collected. Intellitech is currently being used in Lucas County. Officials discussed assessing a booking fee and let the courts decide about implementing jail fees. The matter was tabled to seek input from area judges.
In his operational report, Executive Director Jim Dennis said Wednesday’s population stood at 578 or 91 percent while the population averaged 593 or 93 percent in September.
Members authorized the purchase of dental and medical equipment, at a cost $17,444, that will replace outdated equipment. Also approved was the purchase of 60 inmate beds at a cost of $12,720 to replace spring beds for safety and security reasons.
This site was updated on June 10, 2010