Detention ad hoc committee reports renovations progressing; County to seek approval for two-year DMH contract

The detention ad hoc committee reported progress June 3 on renovations to Alvis S. Glen Detention Center and announced that staff will bring a contract to the full council to place a Department of Mental Health (DMH) employee on-site.

County Administrator Ray Brown told the committee that packet materials detail the percentage-completion status of units currently under renovation and the attorney-client visitation center. Brown said the county previously approved a memorandum of understanding with DMH; DMH converted that MOU into a two-year contract and the contract term brings the amount above the administrator’s single-year approval threshold.

Brown said the staff member the county would pay is “roughly $80,000 a year,” and that because DMH drafted a two-year agreement it exceeds the administrator’s $100,000 annual threshold for contract approval. For that reason, he said, the contract will return to council for approval even though council previously approved the concept. Brown also reported that the county is receiving applicants from multiple states for the detention center director position and will proceed with review and selection steps.

Councilwoman Cheryl English, chair of the detention ad hoc committee, said she was “really pleased with the updates and the progress that’s being made” and that the committee will continue oversight.

Ending: The committee asked staff to return with the two-year DMH contract for formal execution and to keep the council apprised of renovation milestones.