Inmates may have to pay their own way
Marion County inmates may be required to pay their way when staying in the local jail.
Marion County Commission is considering a resolution that would require inmates to pay for hygiene supplies, use of clothing and bedding, meals, and be responsible for medical expenses while incarcerated.
During Monday's meeting, more tweaking was completed on the resolution with final consideration in a couple of weeks.
Transportation costs also are being considered for criminal and civil cases, including juveniles. Marion County Sheriff Lee Becker explained that money on individuals when they are booked into the jail cannot be confiscated by the county and used for expenses. However a court trustee could be utilized to recover any costs owed to the county while the individual was in the jail.
"We see the same people over and over," Becker said. "If incarcerating them isn't enough, maybe charging them will get their attention."
The proposed costs being considered include $18 per day for meals, $2 per day for bedding and clothing, and 25 cents per day for hygiene items such as soap, deodorant, and shampoo.
Becker said his department's rule of thumb is "If our wheels are turning on your behalf, we're charging you."
Becker also reported that the state fire marshal may require a 24-hour jailer because the state requires all occupants of the jail to be able to get out within a four-minute period. When a jailer is not on duty, it would take longer than that, Becker said.
In other county business:
— County health administrator Diedre Serene said her department needs a 12x16-foot storage shed for car seats and a generator. For the past three years, car seats have been stored downtown.
Commission chairman Randy Dallke asked Serene if she had checked with Marion zoning regulations. She responded that she had not. He also suggested a metal building rather than a wood one because of maintenance issues.
Serene said she would re-bid the building and check with the city.
— The commission signed annual grant applications with Kansas Department of Health and Environment.
— Tetanus shots will be administered to students in the county.
— Serene requested and received a 10-minute executive session to discuss personnel.
The meeting reconvened with no decisions.
