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Fayette County approves part-time driver and discusses Community Corrections expansion, GPS monitoring
Summary
The commission approved hiring a part-time driver for the county's Community Corrections/day-report program and discussed staffing, GPS monitoring upgrades and program growth; no additional permanent hires were finalized beyond the driver approval.
The Fayette County Commission on Feb. 6 approved funding for a part-time driver for the county's Community Corrections/day-report program and reviewed program budget lines tied to drug-screening supplies, GPS home-confinement monitoring and staffing needs.
Program lead Theresa (surname not specified) told commissioners the program currently serves 70 participants with an additional 77 referrals for drug screening. She said the program needs a part-time driver (32 hours per week or less) to avoid overburdening case managers, estimate annual cost at about $47,500 including insurance, and recommended hiring immediately. Commissioners approved a motion to hire a part-time driver by voice vote.
GPS monitoring and cost savings: Theresa described a recent switch to a new GPS vendor that reduced bracelet cost by about $1 per day and offered better coverage through Wi-Fi and internal batteries. The county noted GPS monitoring offers lower daily costs than jail per-diem rates and can reduce incarceration expenses for eligible defendants. The commission discussed ongoing monitoring responsibilities and the potential to add a GPS-coordinate technician position and an additional case manager if revenue and capacity allow.
Budget context: Theresa provided a half-year operations snapshot showing year-to-date revenues and expenses, noting the program had a net county subsidy last year of about $60,358. Departmental supplies (primarily drug testing) and contracted services were cited as major cost drivers; the new GPS system and increased billings are expected to help offset some costs.
Board action: Commissioners moved and seconded a motion to approve hiring the requested part-time driver; the motion passed by voice vote. The commission also approved other routine administrative motions on vouchers, minutes and state settlements earlier in the meeting.
Ending: Staff said they will return with further budget details and a potential staffing plan as the program expands.
