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Sheriff's office flags detention grinder, body scanner and vehicle purchases in budget review
Summary
Sheriff Mike Henley and jail staff briefed the Avery County commissioners on detention-center equipment risks including an at-risk sewage grinder, a proposed body scanner listed as capital, the county's new inmate trash-pickup program supported by NC DOT supplies, and three patrol vehicles already ordered at a $7,500 savings.
Sheriff Mike Henley and Chief Jailer Tracey Buchanan walked the Avery County Board of Commissioners through the detention center budget during the May 8 budget workshop, calling attention to several operational and capital items that officials said need attention.
Staff raised concerns about the detention center's sewage grinder and the lack of maintenance options: maintenance staff had been unable to find a plumber willing to perform a bypass of the system if the grinder failed, prompting discussion about whether to purchase a spare grinder as a contingency.
Buchanan described capital items that include a body scanner, which the jail team said would be useful when inmates return from outside work details and the county launches a trash pick-up program. "We are underway with up fitting the van and we have the trailer for the trash pick up program. NC DOT has agreed to supply the bags and the vests," Buchanan said. The staff said one person is interested in the inmate trash-pickup position but would need to complete required training.
Chief Deputy Van Williams demonstrated the Flock camera system for commissioners as part of a broader technology and equipment discussion. Henley said the Sheriff's Office has already ordered three vehicles in advance, generating an estimated $7,500 in savings compared with later pricing.
Commissioners were briefed on these needs and did not take final action on capital purchases at the workshop; the presentation served to inform the board of operational risks and near-term equipment choices for the Sheriff's Office.
