Henry County officials review feasibility study, agree to draft RFP to explore reopening youth center

Henry County commissioners and council members on May 20 reviewed a Baker Tilly feasibility study examining whether to reopen the Henry County Youth Center and agreed to begin work on a Request for Proposal and a potential lease for a private operator.

The most immediate difference among officials was about how many secured beds the county would need and how often they would be used. Judge Bob Witham, who serves as Circuit Court 1 Judge, questioned the study’s utilization assumptions, saying, "12 secured beds for Henry County is likely too high," and noting, "Since serving as Circuit Court 1 Judge, they have never had six juveniles in secured detention at the same time, and most often the number is only 2-3 juveniles." The Baker Tilly report under review proposed reserving 12 secured beds for Henry County and 18 for placements from other counties.

Shannon Thom, who reviewed the Baker Tilly analysis for the board, said the study found most juvenile facilities operate at "approximately 53% capacity," and warned that occupancy varies based on staffing and other factors. Commissioner Susan Huhn said her conversation with the director of the YOC in Muncie confirmed that staffing shortages are a major reason some facilities run below capacity.

Officials also discussed operational costs beyond beds. Steve Dellinger said repairs to the building are already underway and estimated renovation costs of "between $1,000,000 and $1,500,000." Judge Witham and others emphasized the study did not include medical staffing, with Judge Witham noting the facility would likely need "a nurse on-site most of the time, along with the potential need for a physician to be available on standby." The group also noted the study omitted transportation arrangements; Witham suggested other counties might pay a higher bed-day rate if Henry County provided transport.

Education and in-kind services factored into the financial picture. Officials recalled that New Castle Schools previously supplied two to three teachers at little or no cost; the current New Castle superintendent has indicated a willingness to provide similar support, which participants said would reduce operating costs.

Commissioner Chad Malicoat flagged budgetary constraints, saying the county had budgeted $250,000 this year for beds and expressing concern that "with SEA 1" the county may not have the tax capacity to add the center without cutting other services. Andrew Belknap of Baker Tilly recommended drafting an RFP so the county could solicit proposals from private operators; several officials said they would attempt to re-engage Abraxas Youth & Family Services, which has expressed prior interest but is waiting on the county’s decision.

The board did not take a formal vote to open the center. Instead, commissioners directed staff to begin preparing a Request for Proposal and to draft a potential lease agreement for an operator, as the next procedural step. The meeting adjourned afterward.