Warden Keith Brown said he needs about eight more correctional officers at the local county jail to enhance security at the facility. But county leaders said it would be difficult to fund the salaries of Brown’s request with the facility already operating on a tight budget.
During the recent Board of Supervisors meeting, Brown said the Yazoo County Regional Correctional Facility currently has the salary base to accommodate 34 correctional officers. But Brown said he needs more.
“I need at least eight more,” Brown said. “I need 42 officers, but I only have a certain amount, so I need to add eight salaries, eight positions. It is a security issue that would put the number of people I need per shift. It would include transportation, escorting inmates, making sure they are safe and provide the security that we need to be providing at the facility.”
Jerry Williams, consultant with the county jail, said a staff analysis was conducted, which showed the facility could accommodate 44 employee positions. He also said those positions should not include administrative roles.
“We found a minimum of at least ten correctional officers on each shift, which gives you four shifts,” Williams said. “That would mean you would need 40 officers, but (Brown) is currently operating with about 34. Administration can’t be a part of your post requirements, and (Brown) is operating under the requirements.”
County Administrator Donna Kraft reminded the board that when the facility was first constructed and opened, the 44 positions included administration. Brown said he currently has a total of about 44 to 46 employees, with about ten serving in an administrative role.
“You first talked to us about getting raises,” said Supervisor Joseph Thomas Jr. “Now, you are talking about more positions. You are stretching the pile even further.”
Williams said when the facility was first constructed, a former organization chart showed a more balanced employee base with a certain number of lieutenants, sergeants and correctional officers for each shift.
“Since the facility has been here, for some reason, it got off track from when it was originally built,” Williams added.
Brown said the employee pyramid remains the same as the previous jail administration.
“But can you cut some in administration,” asked Supervisor Lee Moore.
“We can look back and see,” Brown replied.
Williams suggested that he and Brown closely examine the employee base at the local jail and return to the county board in time for budget preparation into the new fiscal year. Budget preparations typically begin in August.
“When we built that facility, it was all set up with the number of employees,” said Supervisor David Berry. “It seems like every year, there is an increase. It seems like somebody pulled the wool over our eyes.”
“Many lies been told in that chair there,” replied Supervisor Willie Wright, pointing to the board chair reserved for presentations.
