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| Budget May Force Partial Ohio Jail Closure |
| By Mansfield News Journal |
| Published: 10/07/2002 |
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Future budget cuts could force a partial closure of Richland County Jail, the sheriff's department told the community corrections board recently. The announcement came even as county Commissioner Dan Hardwick unveiled voter-awareness pamphlets for 'Your Safety, Your Solution,' the campaign aimed at finding a solution to the overcrowding in the dilapidated, 110-bed jail. Hardwick also said commissioners are drafting a letter asking departments for voluntary layoffs and four-day workweeks to help close a budget gap of more than $1 million by the end of the year. Jail Administrator Ed Welsh told board members at the meeting Sheriff James Stierhoff would have to consider closing the misdemeanor dorm, which houses 20 offenders, if he is forced to cut personnel. 'The only way we can reduce personnel is by possibly cutting the jail size and closing down the misdemeanor dorm,' Welsh said. Common Pleas Judge James DeWeese said by law the department's only two responsibilities are to serve summonses and operate the jail. But that didn't sit well with Maj. James Burch, who pointed out the department has 54,000 residents depending on deputies for protection. 'Well, I don't think anyone's going to find a magic wand,' DeWeese said. Mayor Lydia Reid said the city is in no better shape, with more layoffs likely in the works despite already laying off four full-time city employees and dismantling the summer intern program. 'We've had layoffs and we're going to have more,' Reid said. Hardwick, 34, was welcomed back by members of the board. He is returning to work this week after having brain surgery in August to relieve fluid buildup. In other business, the board unveiled an education video featuring Richland County Re-entry Court and agreed to oppose Issue 1, a constitutional amendment on the November ballot that would require treatment instead of incarceration for first- and second-time offenders of drug laws. |
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