Court authorizes treasurer to sign House Bill 556 contract to subsidize jail substance-abuse programs

The Christian County Fiscal Court on a voice vote authorized the treasurer to sign a contract under House Bill 556 that will allow the state to refund and subsidize substance-abuse, anger-management and parenting classes offered in the jail.

County staff said the contract is a standard renewal required every few years to secure the per-inmate compensation rate. "This is a standard contract. I think we have to renew it every couple years," Mr. Jaylor said. He described that the Department of Corrections provides an approved list of classes and that the contract outlines auditing and procedures to ensure the county follows state expectations.

A county representative added that "in order to proceed the compensation rate per inmate for these programs, we have to enter into this agreement," explaining that the agreement is necessary for the county to receive the reimbursement rates tied to those classes.

The court moved, seconded and approved the authorization by voice vote. Officials noted the item arrived late and that the application deadline required prompt action; staff will finalize the contract and the treasurer will sign if the county proceeds.