by justin strawser
SUNBURY - The Northumberland County Prison budget is up nearly $200,000 because of increased hours due to higher inmate populations, Warden Roy Johnson reported.
Northumberland County Commissioner Vinny Clausi questioned the warden about this at the meeting Wednesday morning because he instructed him last year to bring the overtime down by the same amount last year, but the payroll was up.
"We're saving here, but then losing here," Clausi said.
Johnson explained he minimized overtime by hiring part-time employees, but they are required to have a certain number of employees working when the prison population exceeds 200 or more inmates.
Furthermore, everyone in the union received raises, he said.
"We're trying to run the prison at minimum requirements and be safe," Johnson said.
The current population is 222 inmates, but had reached 259 recently due to a county-wide drug raid, he said.
"I look at the numbers only. I'm a businessman, and you explained my concern. Thank you," Clausi said.
In other business:
- The board will look into renegotiating its deal with Prime Care Medical. Rather than paying Prime Care the first $2,500 for medical assistance, the county wants to pay the medical fees itself.
- The Lewisburg Prison Project inspection went well, according to the warden. There were only minor issue and the written report will be sent to them soon.