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Avery County approves inmate litter‑pickup program and $55,000 budget amendment
Summary
Sheriff Mike Henley won approval March 24 for an inmate litter‑pickup program using SMCP inmates, with $51,785 in startup costs and a $55,000 budget amendment to buy equipment and fund two jailer positions; commissioners voted to adopt the program and budget amendment unanimously (4‑0).
Sheriff Mike Henley told the Avery County Board of Commissioners on March 24 that he wanted to establish an inmate litter‑pickup crew using the Statewide Misdemeanant Confinement Program (SMCP). Henley said start‑up expenses would total $51,785 for two new jailers, a transport van, trailer and supplies, and that the county currently houses about 15 SMCP inmates and would use six at a time.
“The biggest obstacle is hiring two people,” Henley said, describing personnel as the primary barrier to rolling out the crew. Henley said SMCP inmates’ medical care and liability are covered by the state and estimated the program could generate roughly $288,000, assuming about 500 work hours a month over an eight‑month span.
On motions by Commissioner Junior Benfield, seconded by Commissioner Dennis Aldridge, the board approved the inmate litter‑pickup program and then adopted a budget amendment of $55,000 (debit $10,000 to Supplies‑Office and $45,000 to Capital Outlay; credit $55,000 to Fund Balance Appropriated) to fund startup equipment and positions. Both motions passed unanimously of those in attendance (4‑0). The meeting was adjourned at 4:29 p.m.
The board record does not specify an implementation start date; commissioners approved the program and funding and will proceed with hiring and equipment procurement under the adopted amendment.
