Supervisor David Peyton requests a meeting with the Yazoo County Regional Correctional Facility consultant after he said some of his questions and concerns were not fully addressed.
Jerry Williams currently serves as a consultant at the local jail facility, a role he has held since October of 2020. Reading from a copy of Williams’ contract during Monday’s Board of Supervisors meeting, Peyton said the consultant services are required to ensure compliance with the American Correctional Association and with federal standards from the U.S. Department of Justice, among other requirements.
“After the review of the contract and meeting with Mr. Williams, I realized that in the contract there are no deliverables,” Peyton said. “All this says is that he is ensure compliance, but how do we know that he is doing that. There is no accountability to the Board of Supervisors written in the contract as well. So, how are we able to know what he is doing to reduce a liability.”
Peyton said after meeting with Williams, he was also told that Williams can only advise the facility’s management and staff.
“But he can’t personally ensure that they are in compliance with ACA standards” Peyton continued. “Also, during the meeting, he did not want to respond or provide certain documentation requested to learn what could hold the county liable.”
Peyton then made a motion that a meeting be held with Williams and Sheriff Jeremy McCoy to amend the contract’s language and to entertain any questions or concerns.
“I will admit that things have seemed to flow a littler better since (Williams) has been on board over there,” added Supervisor Lee Moore. “I think before he came on, we were not meeting the criteria or standards.”
“Yes, but when I asked if there was an audit now, would they meet the required standards,” Peyton replied. “And he (Williams) said ‘no.’ That is why I am bringing this up.”
The board approved Peyton’s motion and planned to meet with both Williams and McCoy on June 16.
