Supervisors hear heated debate over Mayor—s Prop J contracting proposals for jail health, juvenile food service and security

The Budget & Finance Committee opened June 18 by taking up three contracting proposals in the mayor—s budget known as Prop J: contracting jail health services, juvenile hall food service and citywide security. Chair Supervisor John Avalos said the items were scheduled early because many witnesses were available.

Monique Smuta of the Controller—s Office presented the comptroller—s cost comparisons that underlie the mayor—s proposals. She told the committee the estimate of annual savings for jail medical services is about $12,100,000; contracting food service at juvenile hall would yield about $498,000 a year; and shifting citywide security staff to contractors would save approximately $3,800,000 annually, with roughly half of each annual savings carried into the current fiscal year if the contracts begin Jan. 1. "The vast majority of savings is found in the differential in salaries and especially fringe benefits," Smuta said.

Supervisors…