The Starke County Council members discussed funding for a new industrial-type washer and dryer at the justice center.
Starke County Sheriff Bill Dulin told the council members Monday night that one set is from the old location on Pearl Street and they need an additional set to keep up with the amount of laundry. A quote from Miller Laundry Service was provided at a cost of $15,152. The price includes delivery and installation.
The council members supported the purchase, but asked Sheriff Dulin to get a second quote just to be on the safe side.
The sheriff also discussed an outstanding dental services bill that the county has had for the past three years. The estimated bill due is approximately $10,000-$12,000.
He explained that if an inmate has a dental issue, the jail nurse is required to assess the issue and if a tooth is to be extracted a dentist comes to the jail and performs the extraction. Sheriff Dulin said extractions are the only services given to the inmates. For example, services including fillings, crowns, plates, dentures, or cleanings are not part of the agreement.
The county is required by state law to offer dental services.
Sheriff Dulin asked the council to pay the bill so the practice can continue at the jail to avoid a lawsuit.
The council members approved action to settle the bill. Half of the cost will come from the Jail Commissary Fund and the other half will come from the Therapeutic Community Fund.
