Commissioners Kevin Holgard and Marion Schlomer brought up discussion of a jail advisory board comprised of members from seven counties that would run everything regarding a regional jail as a private facility – a separate entity, thereby relieving Walworth County of liability. Holgard and Schlomer say the cost to each county would be based on a five year daily average. Commissioner Jim Houck commented why Walworth would want to give up ownership of their own jail. Commissioner Holgard would like to have an answer on the jail advisory board concept at the next meeting.
Regarding budget cuts, jail employees are concerned about the commission wanting to cut staff from 3 to 2 people per shift. They sited safety concerns for the correctional officers. Employees also asked the commissioners not to consider eliminating U.S. Marshall inmates as they bring in revenue and are generally better behaved than the county and out of county inmates.
Bob Thomason talked to the commission about the qualifications of the position of county emergency manager. Thomason suggested the commission appoint a hiring committee comprised of law enforcement, emergency response, and public utilities to conduct the interviews.
A resolution on the agenda to establish a $25 administrative fee on mailed-in resident and non-resident title and registration services, because they take more time to process, failed due to lack of motion. State’s Attorney Jamie Hare advised the board to amend the resolution to state the fee would be charged for incorrect or incomplete applications that come in by mail.
A budget meeting has been set for Tuesday, July 28th at 9am and they will also interview applicants for the county emergency manager position.
Comments