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Sheriff wins unanimous approval to renew jail medical contract, add weekend technician and fund SOP review
Summary
Sheriff Larry "Ray" Newton secured commissioner approval for a 2026 jail medical contract with Quality Correctional Care (~$288,300) that adds weekend medical technician coverage, and won permission to spend $8,000 annually on an Indiana Sheriff's Association review of jail procedures and training.
Sheriff Larry "Ray" Newton and Chief Deputy Ben Schwartz asked the Jay County Commissioners to renew the county's jail medical services contract and to authorize a training and policy review expense.
Newton presented a contract renewal from Quality Correctional Care for approximately $288,300 that includes a nurse coverage schedule and added weekend medical technician hours (16 hours each day across Saturday and Sunday). Newton said his objective is to remove medical duties from correctional officers and have trained medical staff handle clinical tasks. The transcript notes a Kentucky-based quote for similar services at about $288,600 for a different staffing pattern; Newton recommended continuing with Quality Correctional Care and commissioners approved the renewal by unanimous vote.
Newton also requested permission to allocate $8,000 annually from his contractual services line to contract with the Indiana Sheriff's Association to review standard operating procedures for jailers, provide training, monthly testing and certifications; he said he may pursue the same for merit deputies next year using county corrections funds. Commissioners approved the expenditure unanimously, with Commissioner Chad Aker noting the action would help with liability and training consistency.
No additional budgeting details or contract documents were supplied in the meeting record; commissioners approved the requested actions during the Jan. 12 session.
