2010 ANNUAL REPORT
January 2010- December 2010
The Purpose of the Washington County Jail (WCJ) is to detain both pre-trial and sentenced individuals as ordered by the courts.
The courthouse was built in 1853- capacity 30 cells/beds
The Jail was renovated in 1988 – capacity 36 beds
Double-bunking occurred in 1992 – capacity 42 beds
Classroom was renovated in 2005- capacity 48 beds
The Purpose of the Washington County Board of Visitors (WCJBOV) is to visit and inspect the Jail and to make recommendations to the Sheriff with respect to inmates (See Statute Title 30-A)
Inmates assigned to the Washington County Jail (WCJ) have either been convicted of a class B or C felony or a misdemeanor, and they can be held for 364 days before being remanded to the Department of Corrections.
The WCJ also holds inmates awaiting pre-trail, or between conviction and sentencing. Inmates who are awaiting trial may be housed at the Jail until their trial has been completed regardless of whether it exceeds 364 days.
Twenty-one (21) full and part time corrections officers maintain the Jail around the clock (24/7). These officers are also charged with guarding inmates, and accompanying them on work release assignments, and district court proceedings.
In 2010 the Washington County Board of Visitors held nine (9) meetings. Each of the nine (9) members volunteered their time and contributed to the discussions by bringing to the table their expertise, experience, recommendations and community questions. Many of the meetings were also attended by a reporter who wrote articles for the Down East Coastal Press.
I am very proud to have such a dedicated and helpful Board of Visitors. The Board has been very helpful keeping me informed and aware of the needs of the community. I couldn’t ask for a more dedicated group of volunteers.”
Sheriff Donnie Smith
2010 WCBOV Members included:
Denise Altvater 3/ Year Term 2008-2011 VACANCY
Denise is the Director of the Maine Wabanaki Program, and the American Friends Service Committee.
The Maine Wabanaki Program has become a vital hub of activity for the rights of all indigenous people. Denise works across vast geographic distances with Wabanaki Child Welfare Workers, Maine DHHS Leaders. The Muskie School of Public Service developed a training on the 1978 federal law designed to reduce the high number of Native children sent to live with non-Native families and has trained more than 500 DHHS workers. She has provided anti-racism and cultural training for County jail guards, University System and community groups. Denise is currently a member of the Maine Indian Tribal State Commission and the Pleasant Point Tribal Council. She also chairs the Wabanaki Criminal Justice Commission, which works with the Department of Corrections to address issues relating to Native Americans in Maine State Prisons. In 2007 she was appointed by Governor Baldacci to serve on the Maine State Prison Board of Visitors. Her experience and knowledge has contributed significantly to the WCBOV.
Dennis Higgins 2/ Year Term 2009- 2011
Dennis is now retired after working many different jobs inside and outside of Washington County including but not limited to serving in the USAF as a medic and veterinary technician. He was stationed at Dow AFB. He also drove tractor trailer trucks on long hauls and he built 100 homes in 10 years. He worked 19 years at Bath Iron Works before retiring to Jonesport. He suggests that his best contribution is making referrals to the Sheriff and serving as a community member who is interested in having as many inmates as possible participating in community service to help defray the cost of their keep to the tax payers. He is very interested in understanding how the system works, or why it does not work and then getting those who can make it work to hear us. He brings his experience and a community perspective to the WCBOV meetings.
Betsy K. Jaegerman 1/Year Term 2010-2011
Betsy has been a probation officer for nearly 34 years. Starting out as started out as a juvenile officer in Bangor but in a few years she switched from juvenile to adult supervision and have been doing that in Washington County ever since. She is now supervising people whose grandparent’s she once supervised, and she has seen the role of the probation officer change as society cycles around changing correctional ideologies. However she believes that Washington County has been ahead of the curve in many areas because we already incorporate best practices of community network, support and involvement. The sheriff’s department and jail are a big part of that network. Betsy brings her background in corrections and her familiarity with the jail and criminal justice system and relationship with law enforcement and prosecutors and defense attorneys and those convicted of crimes to the WCBOV to inform their discussions.
Scott Jones 1/ Year Term 2009- 2012
Scott was hired as a Guard at the Maine State Prison in October 1976. and progressed through the ranks (Sergeant, Lieutenant, Captain, and Major) and was appointed as Chief of Prison Security at the Supermax when it opened in 1991. He served in that position until 1995. During those years he had additional responsibilities as the Criminal Investigations Officer as well as the Tactical Team Commander. He was appointed to the position of Chief of Security at the Downeast Correctional Facility in September 1996 and assumed the position of Director in September of 2008. He is currently the Commander of the Department of Corrections SitCon Team. (Crisis Negotiations Unit). His expertise is in corrections, which regardless of the level (State or County), the issues and challenges are very similar. His vast experience is very beneficial to the WCBOV. Downeast Correctional Facility marked its” 25th year Anniversary in 2010. The facility values the community services they are able to provide to surrounding Towns.
Ann O’Brien 2/Year Term 2009-2011
Ann is a Psychiatric Nurse Practioner nationally certified with a Master's Degree in Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing. She has worked in rural community mental health settings for many years. Five years ago she was transferred by CHCS to Washington County where she plans to stay. Her 25 years working in delivery of Mental Health (MH) care for the chronically mentally ill in rural settings. She is most aware that co-occurring mental illness/substance dependence is a common problem. Many of her clients are incarcerated once or repeatedly. She has worked with them before, during and after jail and prison stays and has a strong interest in decreasing the rate of recidivism. Her access to MH treatment including psychiatry in corrections is limited locally and statewide. She seeks to improve access by visiting the WCJ frequently and volunteering her time. She continues to serve as a consultant to the medical staff and by raising awareness of MH needs to the Sheriff, Board of Visitors and to the larger community she helps fulfill the purpose of the WCBOV.
Dale McGee 3/ Year Term 2008 – 2011
Dale is employed by the Bangor Veterans Center as a Psychotherapist/Counselor. He started in the field of Substance Abuse TX in 1973, and received his Masters in Clinical Social Work in 1985. His specialties include trauma, dual diagnosis, Veterans and corrections. He was employed in various capacities within the Dept of Corrections for over 20 years covering Maximum to Minimum Security prisons. In addition he also worked at Bates College for 16 years so he has covered both ends of the spectrum. He estimates that 90% of inmates have a substance abuse problem, mental health problem or both, and a large majority of those have been traumatized, probably long before they started criminal activity. Dale’s experience and connections in all of these realms inform the Sheriff, Jail Administrator and the WCBOV.
Liz Mercer 1/ Year Term 2010- 2011
Liz is currently the Washington County Case Manager for the Down East AIDS Network in Machias. She has 40 plus years in the area of social work, working with various state agencies of Department of Child and Family Services. She has worked with law enforcement and the local court systems in the capacity of child abuse investigations, removing abused and neglected children from their homes and helping parents to improve their skills in order for their children to be returned to them. Because these parents were often battling drug and alcohol abuse she sees the front line exposure to these problem areas. She has served on numerous local and state committees in efforts to deal with such issues. Inmates are informed that they can visit the local office of Downeast AIDS Network when they are released to get further substance abuse referrals, free condoms and ongoing testing every six (6) months. As she has worked with this particular segment of our population for many years, she brings a good perceptive and understanding of this population to the WCBOV.
Sandra K. Prescott, Chair 2/year Term 2010- 2012
Sandra served as the Executive Director at the Washington Hancock Community Agency for 24 years, and retired to Bucks Harbor in 2007. She was appointed by Governor Angus King to serve on the University Of Maine Board Of Trustees, and served for 6 years. She served three terms in the Maine Legislature as a legislator from Hampden, where she chaired the Health and Institutional Services Committee who had the responsibility to confirm the Commissioner of Corrections. She sponsored legislation to separate the Department of Mental Health from the Department of Corrections. Governor Joseph Brennan appointed her to serve on a Committee to Oversee the 1980 Lock Down at the Maine State Prison. She also served on the Hampden Town Council. When she returned home to Washington County she Co-Chaired the Committee to Renovate Washington County Jail, and the Board of Visitors at the Downeast Correctional Facility. She also served on the Machiasport Board of Selectmen, School Board, and Planning Board and she volunteered as the Towns CDBG Grants Administrator., She currently chairs the WCBOV.
Bob Gross, 1/year Term 2009-2011
Bob Gross was hired as the Washington County Jail Administrator in November 1995. He was first hired to work for the County in 1987 as a part -time deputy. In 1988 he was hired as a full -time Court Security Officer Supervisor. He attended the Basic Correctional School at the Maine Criminal Justice Academy in Waterville, and with the help of David Brown and Lt. Judy Worcester he has learning ever since. His professional development has been extensive including attending the Administering the Small Jail at the National Institute of Correction in Longmont, Colorado sponsored by the US Department of Justice, Myers Briggs for Criminal Justice Administrators, Staffing & Scheduling for Corrections, 1st Line Supervisor for Corrections, Executive Development for Corrections, Workplace Violence Prevention, and Legal Issues for Corrections. He became a member of the American Jail Association in 2007. He attended the 2008 and 2009. Bob brings a wealth of experience and institutional memory to the operations of the jail and WCBOV.
Sheriff, Donnie Smith
Donnie serves as the Chief Law Enforcement Officer and Chief Jailer, he is a 1979 graduate of the Maine Criminal Justice Academy, and was elected Sheriff in 2006. After the election he created the Blue Ribbon Committee Advisory Committee to be his s eyes and ears in the community. The Committee consists of individuals from all over Washington County and meets monthly to discuss issues involving the Sheriff's Office and the County Jail. The Committee became the Washington County Board of Visitors in January 2009. As the Chief Jailer the Sheriff’s Statutory responsibilities, include but are not limited to, attending State Supreme Court and Superior Court sessions, receiving and committing prisoners to county jail to service all criminal and civil processes, including warrants and summons, and to enforce the criminal laws. Donnie is most proud of his record for the highest clearance rate of crimes responded to and solved by any Sheriff’s Office in the entire state.
Honorary Member: K-9 Ginger Smith
Ginger is an 8 ½ year old rescue dog out of Missouri. She was trained in narcotic detection and search and rescue by La Follette K-9 Training Center in Straford Missouri. Ginger participates in the “Kid’s Cop’s and K-9’s”- Mostly Ginger Program. Ginger attends all of the WCBOV meetings and provides a warm and welcome greeting for each member of the WCBOV. She has no plans to retire as her role as the “official WCJBOV Greeter” is welcomed by the Board.
Justice, fairness, and common sense are traits that I hold dear. I believe that my work on the Board has facilitated those foundations. The most difficult part is trying to get the larger systems to change. It is frustrating and sometimes common sense doesn't seem to have much import. Working with a small, motivated, diverse, group can be an instrument of change at that level and hopefully a level or two above.” Dale McGee, WCBOV Board Member
List of 2010 WCBOV Meetings:
January 20 10
March 2010
April 2010
May 2010
June 2010
July 2010
September 2010
November 2010
December 2010
WCBOV Agenda items include but were not limited to:
• Questions from Board Members
• Site Visits & Interviews with Inmates & Corrections Staff
• Advocating for Legislative changes
• Review of current events and printed articles
• Sheriff’s Report
• Jail Administrators Report
• Downeast Correctional Facility Report
• Discussion of Policy
• Review of Board of Correction/Working Group Activities
• Special Guest Speakers
• Reports on Sex Offender Registry
• Video Conferencing
“I believe that in order to be more efficient and to provide the greatest cost-savings to the taxpayers, it is essential that the Department of Corrections and all counties participate in the Hub and video Conferencing,” Lt. Mary Zidalis, Correctional Staff
Meeting with Senator Raye and Representative Joyce Maker, Calais
Senator Kevin Raye and Representative Joyce Maker attended a Special Meeting of the Washington County Board of Visitors (WCBOV) on December 8th to hear a legislative request for saving the county taxpayers money. On behalf of the Board the Chair, Sandra K. Prescott proposed to Senator Kevin Raye, Perry and Representative Joyce Maker, Calais that the State require the use of the video conferencing system for all initial appearances and/or arraignments and civil proceedings involving in-custody inmates held either by the State or County”; and that the Maine Legislature require the Board of Corrections, Department of Corrections and County Jails utilize the Unified Inmate Transportation System (Hub) when transporting inmates from facility to facility.
The Board believes that when the Courts use video conferencing with the Jail/Prisons it provides a high level of security. Mary Zidalis, Washington County Jail Coordinator, said that “every Jail has the capability to use this equipment and they have a State Coordinator to handle these requests.” She gave an example of that demonstrated waste in the system. At one time an inmate was transported to 17 different hearing dates, for he spent 42 days in jail.
In 2009 the Unified Inmate Transportation System (Hub) was adopted by the State Board of Corrections. The purpose was to assist in long distance transportation of inmates. Zidalis explained how the State is divided into three regions with Penobscot, Kennebec and Cumberland counties, and how these regions serve as a Hub for satellite jails to drop off and/or pickup inmates being transported from other areas of the state.
The Board also discussed with Senator Raye and Representative Maker their concerns about the budget for the Maine Judicial Marshal Service who provides Court Security. Chair Prescott said that this issue should be reviewed with state and local officials to determine whether this security should once again be placed under the auspices of the Washington County Sheriff’s Office. Senator Raye suggested that the Board accept the offer made by the State to meet locally and discuss this concern. Sheriff, Donnie Smith believes that it would be more cost effective for the county to operate this service once again.
Senator Kevin Raye, said “today’s budgets being constantly stretched it is important to consider these cost saving measures”. He invited the Board to Augusta to meet with the Washington County Delegation to further discuss these proposals. He will also encourage the delegation to make a visit to the Jail.
The WCBOV is a local Advisory Board, created by the Legislature. The Board of Visitors annually visits the Jail, makes recommendations to the Sheriff Donnie Smith and presents their findings and recommendations to the Public each year in an Annual Report. Members of the Board include: Ann O’Brien, Dennis Higgins, Scott Jones, Dale Mc Gee, Bob Gross, Betsy K. Jaegerman, Liz Mercer and Sandra K. Prescott. The Board meets the last Thursday of each month at the Sheriff’s Office. The Public is welcome to attend.
“I am proud of the fact that Rep. David Burns has submitted three (3) of our proposals in the form of legislation to address the concerns that the WCBOV have raised.” Dennis Higgins, WCBOV Member
2011 Jail Inspection Results- a 97% Approval Rate
On April 4, 5, and 6, 2011, Bob Lancaster and Kim Robbins from the Maine Department of Corrections conducted a bi-annual inspection of the Washington County Jail as required under 34-A M.R.S.A. There are 136 mandatory standards and the Jail must be 100% in compliance with those.
Bob Lancaster made the following comments: The facility is beautiful in that it encompasses the old and the new. The physical plant was clean. There was a positive interaction between the staff and the inmates. The staff was knowledgeable and friendly, and we are operational sound.
The medical staff was “top notch and very conscientious in their duties”.
We are however, out of compliance with two mandatory standards, both of which are related. The first, states that there must be an annual fire inspection by either the State Fire Marshal's Office or a local fire department, approved by the Fire Marshal's Office. The second standard is that Jail facilities will comply with the applicable codes set forth in the Life Safety Code published by the National Fire Protection Association and adopted by the Maine Department of Pubic Safety.
It should be noted that the Jail has been unsuccessful in getting cooperation from the State Fire Marshal's Office to meet this standard. Bob Lancaster said that other counties have had the same problem and he would be talking to Ralph Nichols, (DOC assistant commissioner) about this.
All in all, it was a very successful inspection. It will take approximately six (6) weeks to prepare a written report. Any deficiencies listed would either need to be corrected at that time or a Plan to correct them will be submitted for review and approval.
During the inspection by the Maine Department of Corrections did not discuss any of the recommendations made by the National Institute of Corrections. As for the establishment of a Capital Plan, we are currently waiting on the Board of Corrections to establish a fund for said payment if such a Plan were to be created.
“Incarceration tends to encourage a person to take a personal inventory. There are generally opportunities to encourage individuals in this situation to reflect on what role they may have played in their situation. This can open up an opportunity to work on personal change which may not be available in the community given distractions in that environment. Initiating work for those who are open to it and developing a plan for continuing the process once they are released from WCJ (either through transfer or release into the community) can be very rewarding. ” Corey Schwinn, LCSW
Washington County Board of Visitors (WCBOV) Site Visit to Jail:
Each year the WCBOV conducts a site visit to all areas of the Jail and interview staff, inmates, and trustees. During the site visits the Board observes capital improvements, the security system, classification system, physical facility including the old and new sections of the jail, intake, visiting area, showers, storage, ventilation, installation of doors (on backwards) kitchen, indoor recreation area, library, and discuss good time, and community service for sentenced inmates.
Keep in mind, that not all jails are the same. Oxford and Franklin are 72-hour holding facilities. Waldo is a pre-release facility so those inmates who are not sentenced are housed at other facilities for Waldo but are part of their count. Piscataquis does not hold female inmates but does hold Federal inmates while I believe York, Somerset and Cumberland all hold State prisoners.
Inmates at the WCJ are both pre-trial detainees (awaiting trial) and sentenced inmates. The WCBOV has been concerned for the number of pre-trial detainees some who have waited as long as two (2) years for trial. Overall, our highest month was February 2010, when our sentenced inmate count was 38% of our total population. In September and October 2010, we were running at 19% sentenced inmates. The average for the year was 28%. Obviously, that' means 72% of the inmates were pre-trial detainees. There are a number of reasons for this, including but not limited to, the availability of a Superior Court Justice, victim protection, and a defense attorneys philosophy. The District Attorney does not get to chose which cases will go to trial, she can only recommend.
Often inmates are interviewed and they are asked what recommendations they would make for improvement of the facility or programs. The concerns they have noted include but are not limited to access to books, magazines and newspapers, telephone access when someone was not willing to pre-pay, outdated books in the library, daily access to outdoor recreation due to staffing, and access to pain medication for injuries sustained on the outside.
Inmates are also provided with an opportunity to participate in a trustee program to ensure that laundry; kitchen, grounds and custodial needs are met provided with inmate labor. We observed several trustees on work release on the day of our visit.
The WCBOV talk with the corrections staff during the site visit. These folks take their jobs seriously. Some had been there for many years. Those we spoke to were professionally trained and well versed on Policy and Standards. The Corrections Staff did not have any specific concerns, however they did agree that the storage space was inadequate, the ventilation could be improved, and the meeting space is very limited and often unavailable for multiple uses such as for Health Professionals and Attorney visits. The Board noticed that there was only one small dedicated staff restroom and there was very little support space for use by the corrections staff.
The Board of Visitors is proud of high standards of operation that the Jail Administrator, Bob Gross and the Sheriff, Donnie Smith has set for the Jail. The Sheriff is ultimately held accountable to the citizens and he and his Jail Administrator are working collaboratively to run a safe and secure facility within the budget.
Washington County citizens observe the Community Corrections Program in action throughout the year. This Program allows the inmates to “give back” by cleaning roadsides, shoveling snow, painting buildings and performing other tasks for towns and non-profit agencies. We observed this program in action on the day of our visit.
One WCBOV Board member described the work she performed as a volunteer at the Jail. She volunteers 2 hours a month and she reviews the medication charts with recommendations on psychotropic drugs for consideration by the Jail’s Physician. The Jail Administrator expressed great appreciation and support for the work and the time she spends at the Jail.
We learned that another member of the WCBOV also visits the Jail to provide health information about HIV and AIDS to the inmates She offers the inmates Oral Rapid HIV testing, with results being given to the inmates within twenty (20) minutes of their session with her.
We were also briefed during the visit by WCBOV member who also works as Probation and Parole Officer. She explained how she works with many families in the county, and has done many home visits. She is now supervising people who’s grandparent’s she once supervised. Her background in corrections and familiarity with the jail and criminal justice system and relationship with law enforcement and prosecutors and defense attorneys and those convicted of crimes probably best inform what I bring to the Board of Visitors for the jail. Approximately thirty percent (30%) of the inmates at the WCJ have violated their probation.
Current Jail Programs at the Jail include but are not limited to:
Note: All programs are separate for male and female inmates
• AA—Burdette Brown and Mandy Albee
• Bible study—various people
• Sunday Church Services—Pastor Ralph Ackley
• Overcomers Group—Rev. Hillman and Beth Hillman
• Intensive Case Manager (DHHS)—Sterling Arbo (shared with Hancock County Jail)
• Mental Health Services—Corey Schwinn, LCSW
• GED—Machias Adult Education (upon request of inmate)
“I find it a big challenge for me is when I am providing services to the population amidst the “unknowns” of a client’s legal status. For example, most pre-adjudicated (pre-trial) detainees are preparing for both the potential of prolonged incarceration (prison) and potential release (whether bail or probation). Therefore we usually focus on “plan A” and “plan B” which can make it difficult for the inmate to start enacting their plans until their legal situation provides more clarity.” Corey Schwinn, LCSW
Report from the Jail Administrators Report (as of December 31, 2010):
• 45 (42 are WC residents) inmates and 3 available beds
• 7 females
• 7 transferred but returned
• 3 types of Classifications Minimum 14 inmates, Medium 29 inmates, 1 Maximum)
• 12 sentenced inmates, 33 pre-trial inmates
• Reasons for incarceration include assault, probation violation, burglary, criminal threatening, robbery, and domestic violence
• 22 employees ( 4 shifts with 5 officers per shift and 2 Lieutenants)
“Our political action will help the local and larger system to be more efficient.” Anne O’Brien, WCBOV Member
Capital Changes in 2010
The roof was repaired by reinforcing it with steel sheeting, the gutters were cleaned out, straightened and refastened to the roof.
The existing camera system was upgraded by doubling the number of cameras in and outside the facility (work still in process). In addition, all cameras will record in color with greater resolution than the previous system. This will increase security and aid in investigations at the Jail.
“I am most proud of having the highest clearance rate of crimes responded to and solved by any Sheriff’s Office in the entire state.” Sheriff, Donnie Smith
Report from the Sheriff - as of December 31, 2010:
• Calls for service handled by patrol division: 3630
• Civil process documents served: 1,833
• Number of inmates processed: 1,228
• Sexual offender registrants monitored: 70
• Involuntary committal transports: 11
• Entered into several Information and Records Management Agreements, including but not limited to a Sharing Agreement with The Next Step Domestic Violence Project and a Records Management System Agreement with the Baileyville (Woodland) Police Department.
• Instituted both a Community Confinement and Pre-trial Release program for incarcerated persons.
• Provided Specialty Trainings and Certifications for several officers within our agency.
• Applied for and received several grants from state, federal and private agencies which provided funding for additional patrols, equipment and services.
• Continued to make strides and improvements to overall operations and services provided by the patrol, corrections and administrative divisions; and
• Once again received the highest clearance rate of crimes reported and solved by any sheriff’s office for the entire state.
The Sheriff keeps the Board of Visitors informed on all aspects of his job, the jail and budget.
“I have learned that justice, fairness, and common sense are traits that I hold dear. I believe that my work on the Board has facilitated those foundations. The most difficult part of our work is trying to get the larger systems to change. It is frustrating and sometimes common sense doesn't seem to have much import. Working with a small, motivated, diverse, group can be an instrument of change at that level and hopefully a level or two above.” Dale McGee, WCBOV Member
Jail Budget (as determined by the State Board of Corrections):
One new position was created- Jail Maintenance. Previously, the Jail contributed 25% to the cost of four maintenance positions, two of which were full-time and included benefits. These positions were shared with the County. This new position is dedicated to the Jail and meets our day-to-day maintenance needs.
Pre-trial ended without Notice. The Agreement with Maine Pre-Trial Services (a private company) ended; the program itself did not end. It is now managed by Lt. Mary Zidalis and Sgt. Karina Richardson, as an in-house program with its associated cost-savings. The program still allows for both home confinement (for sentenced inmates) and pre-trial bail release contracts for qualified inmates. The program as it now stands has a far superior level of scrutiny and supervision than was provided by the previous company. There are both Statutory requirements and Policy requirements that must be met before an inmate is considered eligible for the program. As the purpose of the home confinement program is to help with reintegration in the community. Sheriff Smith requires that inmates released to home confinement will work at a job, provide community service work or be in school.
Other Counties Debt. While the Board of Corrections (BOC) may be paying for other counties' debt they are not taking any money from our allocation to do so.
HUB Savings. The $13,000 “saved” was not just out of the transportation budget, but from payroll as well because of the shift in how the transportation was calculated. Many transports that would have required two officers to do (because of the greater distance traveled) were accomplished with only one officer transporting only as far as Bangor. The DOC is still not participating in the HUB.
(See Legislation proposed by the WCBOV)
Note: The Maine Sheriff’s Association has proposed that a Surplus Fund Protection Plan (Trust Fund) be set up to protect the surplus jail funds when savings occur in a particular county. Up to 1% of the budget- or 25% of a fund balance could be retained by a county for repairs such as for the roof, saving the taxpayers money) The BOC tabled this item.
“Every client who is able to make positive pro social changes in their lives, whether that happens during their probation periods or sometime after deserves support.” Betsy K. Jaegerman, WCBOV Member
Washington County Jail (WCJ) Budget Comparisons:
2010 JAIL BUDGET is $2,161,008.
2012 Budget. The final Budget request for 2012 reflects an 11.7% increase from the previous budget. This is above our ceiling and thus requires approval by the BOC. The reason for the increase was due to errors made by the previous County Manager when she created the budget for 2009. Several full-time positions were not listed in the budget and compounding the shortfall was the insurance costs for those positions.
“It is very rewarding to serve as a volunteer representing the community of Washington County on the WCBOV. I continue to be impressed by the work that the Sheriff and the Jail Administrator do to keep us safe. They have a special staff that has also done a terrific job with the funds they have to work with, and I wish to thank my fellow Board members for all the support they have given me this past year. They are a dedicated group of community volunteers who give generously of their time and expertise. I do hope members of the Public will consider attending a meeting of the WCBOV to learn more about the jail” Sandra K. Prescott
The Washington County Board of Visitors meets at 9:00 am at the Sheriff’s office on the 4th Thursday of each month. The public is always welcome to attend. The Minutes, Agendas and Annual Reports are on file at the Sheriff’s Office and are available for public viewing.
Respectfully Submitted,
Sandra K. Prescott, 2010 Chair
Washington County Board of Visitors
