Hall County Board of Correction unanimously approves contract renewals and uses opioid settlement funds for staff hours

The Hall County Board of Correction unanimously approved multiple contract renewals and service agreements at its June 2 meeting, including increases for food, medical and mental‑health services and a plan to use opioid settlement funds to cover Sozo Family Services staff hours.

Ron Peterson, chair of the Hall County Board of Correction, convened the meeting and the board conducted a roll call before taking up business. Corrections Director Todd Bahensky reported on jail numbers and said the department had several contracts coming due at the same time.

"Their numbers are at 236; US Marshall are at 83, 5 Immigration holds, 13 probation sanctions 3 on bond 15 immigration hold and 135 local inmates. 2 out of county and one safety hold," Bahensky said. He also told the board that the timing of expirations had produced multiple concurrent renewals.

In a series of unanimous votes, the board approved Amendment #6 to the Summit Food Service partnership, which includes a 5% increase in food costs. Bahensky said the county negotiated the increase and "feels this increase will be sufficient." The board also approved Amendment #6 to the Summit Food Service commissary agreement, extending the agreement for two years with automatic one‑year renewals.

The board approved new contracts for inmate medical care with Dr. Thomas Vonderfecht and with Lisa Degan, PA, each with a 3% cost increase. Bahensky noted that Degan’s malpractice insurance is covered and that last year’s medical budget was $87,000; this year’s medical line will be $89,200.

The board approved two service agreements with Rutt’s Mechanical Services covering routine maintenance for rooftop HVAC units ($10,380) and chiller units ($2,880). Board member Gary Quandt questioned the need for paid maintenance on recently installed equipment, asking, "Why do we need maintenance when the new equipment should be under warranty?" Bahensky replied that the contractor will perform inspections and coordinate any warranty work to ensure repairs are completed.

The board approved a renewal with Sozo Family Services for inmate mental‑health services with a 3% cost increase; Bahensky said one of the providers is licensed at a lower level and will be paid a lower rate while pursuing licensure. The board also approved a separate agreement with Sozo to use opioid settlement funds to pay staff hours, which Bahensky described as "the best way to use these funds," and noted a related staff reduction.

All motions recorded in the meeting were adopted unanimously by the seven board members present.

The Board of Corrections adjourned and returned to the board’s regular meeting.