Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Juvenile Detention topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Sullivan County commission approves amended interlocal to continue juvenile detention services
Summary
The county approved an interlocal agreement with Blount County to continue juvenile detention and temporary holding services, adding an amendment that limits Sullivan County’s medical payment obligation to juveniles without medical coverage.
SULLIVAN COUNTY, Tenn. — The Sullivan County Commission on Thursday approved an interlocal agreement authorizing the county mayor to sign a contract with the Blount County Juvenile Detention Center to continue juvenile detention and temporary holding services for youth ordered by the juvenile court. The board adopted the measure on its second reading after adding an amendment to limit the county’s financial exposure for medical care.
The county’s reading of the interlocal noted that Blount County would continue to provide detention services "as needed." County Attorney Street and Commissioner Vanover said the amendment was necessary to avoid an open-ended obligation. "We didn't wanna sign a blank check," Vanover said, proposing language that the county would pay medical expenses only when a juvenile has no medical coverage.
Commissioners discussed local capacity and the rising juvenile population, with several members urging that the agreement draw attention to longer-term options for local detention capacity. Commissioner Ward said the county must begin “looking at a different approach” given limited bed availability and financial strain. Commissioner Hockman asked whether TennCare coverage could be utilized; Vanover and staff said TennCare is typically dropped once a juvenile is placed in custody and that the county has been investigating the issue.
The amendment was approved and the resolution passed; the clerk recorded 22 yes, 2 absent.
Next steps: the mayor is authorized to sign the amended interlocal agreement and staff indicated they will continue to evaluate local options and insurance questions raised during the discussion.
