Jasper Jail Supplementing Income Housing Out-of-County Inmates

Jasper County has been fighting the battle of the budget in recent years, but is getting some help by housing prisoners from other counties in the county jail.

The jail in Newton was closed for a few years to save money by housing prisoners elsewhere, but now Jasper County is generating funds by hosting prisoners. The county board heard Thursday that Jasper County earned $5,000 for housing the out-of-county inmates.

Meanwhile, the Board considered a major expenditure at the jail. Figures for a proposed renovation of the 911 facility at the jail are available. The estimate totals $582,003. The renovation has been discussed for more than a decade. The Board voted Thursday to move ahead with the work on a 9-2 vote with one member absent.

The Jasper board also contracted with a firm called Solix to provide help with the cost of internet and phone services at the county health department in Newton. The County will receive 65% of their costs covered, while Solix will receive 23% of the grant funds.

The Board hired Dennis Weadman to help negotiate a contract with the sheriff's union, and approved these appointments: Donald Kraus as a trustee of Ste. Marie Drainage District, Clara Short to the County Board of Health, Bruce Elliott as a trustee of the Montrose Fire Protection District, Gregory Ikemire as a trustee of North Fork Drainage District, Raymond Beals as a trustee of Mint Creek Drainage District, and Jerome Kocher as a trustee of the Ste. Marie Drainage District.