Jail Expenses Continue to Cause Budget Woes
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The Haywood County Jail has depleted its entire overtime budget for the year in just four months. “Sheriff Bond was doing everything in his power, and I understand it was to make sure that the jail was certified,” said Haywood County Trustee Sonny Howse. Howse said the county jail set aside $29,000 for overtime for the fiscal year but nearly $10,000 more has been spent in just a few months at $38,000. “As far as the overtime at the jail, they didn’t want to give him anymore jailers. So he didn’t have a choice to increase his overtime because he didn’t want it to get de-certified,” said Budget Director Larry Livingston. Howse stated the state inspector suggested the sheriff add 20 more jailers to his staff of 21, but county leaders said the money just was not there. County commissioners instead voted for the jail to get just two more jailers. By state standards, the jail remains severely understaffed, meaning current workers must work longer hours. Budget Director Livingston said Sheriff Bond has requested additional funds of $80,000. Officials said the money will come from the general fund balance.
