The time has finally come; the 2008 Pulaski County budget is nearly done. With just a few last minute items to consider, on November 13th the budget should be ready for presentation to the full Quorum Court. We have held the line on spending in 2007 and that has put the county in position to move forward with the repairs to the county jail. The funds are in the bank to repair the roof of the older portion of the jail building. With that completed, we will be able to move the prisoners out of the work center and free up at least 250 more beds. Indications are that the cities in Pulaski County have all agreed to continue their contribution of funds and support of the additional 80 beds above the 800 beds mandated by the inter-local agreement between the cities and the county.

Reports from the Treasurers office are that tax collection levels are up this year. Once we are sure of the numbers, we can start making plans to increase the number of jail beds that are to be funded and take more criminals off the street. The goal is to get the jail back to 1130 beds (the 2005 level of capacity).

A detention center is more than just buildings and bed space; it takes people to make it work. Many of the Pulaski County employees are responsible for the tremendous achievements accomplished this year. Many have taken on extra duties to cover positions that are no longer filled. During 2007, the quorum court has been sweeping the budgets of every department that had unfilled employee positions and putting these excess funds aside. As a result of these funds, we have been able to award all county employees a one time 3% bonus. I believe that these funds should be reserved for either the employees or to support the county jail. Therefore, I have written a letter to the county comptroller deleting my name from those who will receive the bonus. Increasing the number of beds available to hold criminals will be bonus enough for me.