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| Charging inmates for time in jail? |
| By mlive.com - Ron Fonger |
| Published: 09/07/2011 |
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GENESEE COUNTY, Michigan -- Facing a $17.6-million deficit, the county Board of Commissioners is considering charging inmates for their stays in the county jail. "When you go to the hotel, you pay. They get three meals a day and we're paying," said Commissioner Omar Sims, D-Flint. "It's time that the criminals of this town pay." Sims asked Sheriff Robert Pickell to report back to the county board about the feasibility of the idea, and Pickell said he was already looking at some kind of pay-to-stay proposal. "I'll have something for you," Pickell told commissioners last week, declining to elaborate on exactly what he might propose. Like every other office in county government, the sheriff stands to be hurt as commissioners develop a new budget for the fiscal year that starts Oct. 1. New revenue from inmates could save county jobs that are otherwise on the chopping block. One drawback to charging inmates for staying in jail, however: the that potential that many won't be able to pay the bill. Pickell said fully 40 percent of inmates can't even pay a $12, one-time booking fee let alone the $68-per day cost of keeping one person in jail. Sims said inmates who can't pay for their jail stays might be able to contribute in another way, like additional public service work. "There should be another requirement (if you can't pay) so you can make your contribution to society," he said Read More. |
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