(ANGOLA) - The work release program serving Steuben and LaGrange counties could be eliminated later this year as local officials prepare for a significant reduction in state funding.
Speaking to the Steuben County Council on Tuesday, Northeast Indiana Community Corrections Director Brett Hays said he expects the regional program to lose approximately $200,000 because of statewide funding cuts.
If that shortfall is not addressed, Hays told council members he would recommend closing the work release program.
Work Release Faces Uncertain Future
The regional Community Corrections district serves approximately 93 offenders in Steuben and LaGrange counties. About one-third currently participate in work release.
The program allows offenders to maintain employment while serving their sentences, working during the day and returning to the facility when not on the job.
Hays said the state is reducing Community Corrections funding statewide, but counties will not learn their final funding allocations until later this month.
That leaves local officials waiting to see exactly how large the local reduction will be before determining their next steps.
The Angola-based work release program operates out of the former Steuben County Jail and requires dedicated staffing around the clock. Hays said the program costs between $900,000 and $1 million annually to operate.
Participant fees help offset expenses, but Hays said they cover only about half of the program's cost.
If the program closes, offenders sentenced to work release would likely have to seek placement in neighboring counties. Hays noted that some facilities do not accept certain offenders, potentially limiting available options.
Home detention programs operated by Community Corrections would continue unaffected.
Other Council Action:
Highway Funding Delays Discussed
County officials discussed the potential impact of Indiana's property tax overhaul on future road funding.
Council members were told some road funding distributions could be delayed for several months, creating a temporary cash-flow challenge for the highway department while state officials work on a long-term solution.
County officials said road projects are not expected to be canceled at this time.
Nearly $390,000 Approved For Park Improvements
Council members approved $389,799 in improvements at the Steuben County Park.
The project includes bathhouse upgrades, replacement campground stairways, new concrete camper pads and water system improvements.
County officials said much of the work addresses aging infrastructure and deferred maintenance throughout the park.
Funding will come from the county's Major Moves fund.
Prosecutor's Office Planning For Transition
Prosecuting Attorney Travis Musser requested funding changes to help prepare for an upcoming transition within the Steuben County Prosecutor's Office.
Musser told council members the plan would allow time to train a deputy prosecutor before the transition takes place, helping maintain continuity within the office.
Council members approved the request.
EMS Staffing Costs Addressed
Steuben County EMS received approval for a budget transfer related to staffing expenses.
EMS Administrator Alicis Walsh told council members paramedic vacancies have increased overtime costs within the department.
Walsh said two full-time paramedics have recently been hired, a move expected to reduce overtime expenses in the months ahead.