During Monday’s County Commissioner meeting, Commissioner Stan Klotz said he had put together a potential work-release policy for the commissioners, judges, prosecutor and sheriff to review.
A few weeks ago, Klotz met with several county department heads and discussed the possibility of creating a work-release program at the jail that would allow selected inmates the possibility of working outside the jail for county departments and maybe non-profits.
Klotz said currently he would like to limit the number of inmates on the program to 20 and department heads were very interested in having the opportunity to have an inmate work in various locations. Inmates would not be paid for the work they do nor would they receive any type of added benefit from participating in the program.
Jail inmates participating in the work-release program could do a variety of jobs but would be limited to only working with hand tools. On Tuesday’s WTCA What’s Your Opinion show Klotz said inmates could work at the Highway Department helping to fill pot holes, and labor intensive jobs. They could also do painting and cleaning for the county’s Building and Grounds Department and might even work in an office situation.
Klotz said the sheriff is in favor a work-release program but does had some concern that an additional employee may be needed to assist with transportation and overseeing those involved.
The Commissioner hopes to have the policy approved in the next month or so and get the program operational shortly after.
