A new Work Release Center will be available in Pulaski County after recent action by the Pulaski County Commissioners and Pulaski County Council.
Pulaski County Sheriff Jeff Richwine explained that inmates allowed to work as part of a court ordered decision would be housed in the facility. He said the goal is to keep people working as they work to get back into a positive life in the community.
He noted that several businesses in Pulaski County are willing to work with the program to aid in this effort.
The Center would be located in the basement of the Pulaski County Justice Center which would potentially feature 30 beds split into two dorm rooms, a common area/classroom area, kitchenette area, locker room, and bathroom/shower area. For the project to be a success, companies such as basement development Edmonton may be needed.
Those taking part in the program would pay user fees of about $120 a week while working, in addition to a $150 administrative fee. The participant would be responsible for drug test fees and own medical needs. At full capacity, Richwine estimates the fees would bring in $175,000 in annual revenue.
Participants accepted into work release without a job will be on a rotation for trustee work details in the county approved by the sheriff.
This Work Release Center would be for males only. Female work release participants would still go Cass-Pulaski Community Corrections.
The cost to renovate the basement of the jail will be taken from the Cumulative Jail Fund. Richwine said the cost could be about $120,000 to take care of what is needed.
The Pulaski County Council recommended the project to the Pulaski County Commissioners who approved the process Monday morning. Richwine told WKVI News he hopes that the Center can be up and running yet this year.
