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Board hears proposal to use inmate welfare fund for basic needs; warden open to buying shower shoes
Summary
Public speakers and the warden discussed using the inmate welfare fund for basic items and reviewing the stipend program; the warden said the fund balance is $4.5 million and staff will research shower‑shoe purchases and stipend changes.
Public commenter Robert Cicconelli highlighted the inmate welfare fund and asked why basic items—like a pair of $2 shower shoes—have not been routinely provided, noting the fund balance. "We still see no reason why with $4,000,000 in the inmate welfare fund, we simply can't hand a new admission a pair of $2 shower shoes," Cicconelli said.
Warden Barnes responded during his report that the inmate welfare fund had an ending balance of $4,500,000 and that staff would research the request and select an appropriate type of shower shoe if purchased from the fund. He also said the board is open to reworking the stipend program. No change to policy was adopted at the meeting; staff indicated they will bring follow‑up recommendations for the board to consider.
