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Council approves $60,000 overtime for juvenile services amid staffing and occupancy concerns
Summary
Interim Juvenile Services Center director Anita Ross told the council the center has spent $98,000 in overtime on a $60,000 budget and is operating below capacity; the council approved a $60,000 supplemental appropriation and urged tours and written briefings to better assess staffing and utilization.
Anita Ross, interim director of the La Porte County Juvenile Services Center, asked the Council for a $60,000 appropriation to cover overtime after she reported the center had already spent about $98,000 against a $60,000 line due to vacancies, FMLA and other staffing gaps. "Our budget we're budgeted for 60,000. We currently spent 98,000 on overtime," Ross said, explaining the office had pulled funds from open positions to cover shifts and that hiring remains in progress.
Council members pressed Ross on occupancy and cost efficiency. One member noted the county was spending about "$100,000 a kid" and urged staff to pursue full occupancy and inter-county contracts to reimburse costs; others encouraged written summaries and facility tours. After discussion and motions, the council approved the $60,000 appropriation from the public safety fund. Members asked staff to return with operational details and options to reduce overtime through hiring or contracted placements.
