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| S.C. Corrections Director Putting His Eggs in Prison Basket |
| By Associated Press / Greenfield News |
| Published: 08/05/2003 |
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South Carolina Corrections Department director Jon Ozmint sees an egg-cellent opportunity to make his prison's self sufficient. But not everyone thinks expanding egg production on prison farms is all its cracked up to be. Ozmint says a $1.7 million bank loan will increase eggs grown at state prisons from 10,000 to 100,000 a day - and eventually sell some on the outside. 'We consume 72,000 eggs a day,' Ozmint said. 'When we get this up and running we will produce all of our own eggs and sell enough eggs on the open market outside of South Carolina to recoup the costs of salaries.' Rep. Bill Cotty, R-Columbia, voted to let the agency produce its own eggs. But he says he doesn't think prisons should get an advantage over private, taxpaying businesses. 'I don't want to go into the Piggly Wiggly and see the South Carolina Corrections Department hen sitting there with the eggs, selling to the public,' Cotty said. 'That wasn't the purpose of what we're doing.' Ozmint says his agency, which ran a $27 million deficit this past fiscal year, is not out for profit. If the prison population grows by 1,200 inmates a year, there won't be enough eggs at the current rate to feed all behind bars. 'The more efficient I can become on feeding, clothing and housing inmates, the more money I have for treating inmates,' he said. The total cost for three hot meals in South Carolina's system is $1.92 per inmate, Ozmint said. They have 8,000 acres of farm at Wateree River, 1,800 acres at Broad River and 1,400 at MacDougall correctional facilities. Ozmint said cold storage in the future would reduce the cost per inmate by eight cents. With it, Corrections could also expand its dairy operation and one day help the state save money by providing milk for schools. Cotty agrees the department has budget concerns, but it shouldn't compete against private industry. 'What that does is open the door to direct competition against people who are getting jobs and paying taxes,' he said. 'It also opens the door wide-open to partnership with private firms.' Corrections is exempt from bidding on projects because it's a state agency, Cotty said. 'You're giving them a tremendous advantage,' Cotty said. Ozmint said he won't partner with private companies. |
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