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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-02-03_Prison Board_PB 02-03-26_Minutes_APPROVED 523 MINUTE BOOK PRISON BOARD WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLANIA IMR LIMITED Elajj 64s�D Minute No. PB 02-03-26 February 3, 2026 The meeting of the Washington County Prison Board was held in Public Meeting Room G-16 in Crossroads Center, 95 W. Beau St., Washington, Pennsylvania, with the following members being present: Commissioners Nick Sherman, Electra S. Janis (via phone) and Larry Maggi; Court Administrator Dan Buzard on behalf of President Judge Valarie Costanzo. Also present were County Administrator Daryl Price; Chief Clerk Cindy Griffin; Solicitors Gary Sweat and Michael Cruny; Human Resources Director Andrea Johnston; Warden Jeffrey Fewell, Deputy Warden Christopher Cain and Chaplain Michael Pierson; Human Resources Administrator Dr. John Tamiggi and Deputy Administrator Tiffany Milovac; Public Relations Director Nicole Ford; Deputy Finance Director Ian Scanlon; Administrative Assistants Heather Wilhelm, Casey Grealish and Randi Marodi. Mr. Sherman called the meeting to order at approximately 10:32 a.m. and Chaplain Michael Pierson led the meeting with an invocation. Mr. Sherman entertained a motion to approve Minute No. PB 01-06-25 dated January 6, 2025. Moved by Mr. Maggi to accept the minutes as written. Ms. Janis seconded the motion to approve Minute No. PB 01-06-25 dated January 6, 2025. The motion was carried with the Board signifying their approval by stating"Aye." PUBLIC COMMENT None. BOARD'S RESPONSE None. WARDEN'S REPORT In prison news, Warden Fewell reported that the female inmate population has decreased by 12 percent over the past 12 months, while the maximum-security population has increased by 20 percent. He continued stating that Washington County ranks No. 3 in the lowest costing jails in the state.The county currently operates at a cost of$8 1/inmate/day, compared to the statewide average of$139/inmate/day. Warden Fewell reported the statewide average ADP (Average Daily Population) is 372, while Washington County's 353. Additionally, he noted that the county's annual budget for Corrections is approximately $11 million, which he stated is about 40%of the cost of similarly sized counties, emphasizing that Washington County operates at a significantly lower cost. Warden Fewell the spoke about inmate telephone revenue, which totaled $244,208 last year. Under new FCC rate changes,the county is projected to receive approximately $44,000 this year,representing an estimated$200,000 loss. He noted this loss cannot be offset through commissary revenues. Mr. Sherman asked why the FCC would implement such a change. Warden Fewell explained the FCC has been considering this issue for decades and that federal leadership generally agrees that governments should not profit from inmate telephone services. Warden Fewell explained that the FCC mandate takes effect in April 2026, lowering phone rates from $0.21/minute to $0.11/minute, which he described as essentially the cost of operation. Mr. Sherman asked about Inmate Welfare Funds. Warden Fewell responded, saying the matter would require further discussion and noted the revenue loss represents approximately 2 percent of the annual Corrections budget. 524 MINUTE BOOK PRISON BOARD WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLANIA IMR LIMITED E_13.l W LP_ Deputy Finance Director Ian Scanlon reported that in 2025, the county used $480,521 from the Inmate Welfare Fund to pay PrimeCare for medications, staffing,bloodwork, analysis, and related medical expenses. Warden Fewell respectfully requested direction from the Board regarding future funding for MAT (Medication-Assisted Treatment), noting current financial constraints. He reported that DHS has submitted a PCCD grant request for$122,000, leaving an unfunded balance of $278,000. Mr. Sherman requested transportation statistics for the past six years. Warden Fewell clarified that the MAT funding issue relates specifically to MAT and not broader medical transportation. Mr. Sherman stated concern about the county not being able to cover PrimeCare expenses. Warden Fewell confirmed this was the reason the issue was being presented to the Board, noting that PrimeCare-related costs have reached approximately$480,000. The Warden and County Administrator stated the grant was intended to help offset costs. Warden Fewell cautioned that the projected $200,000 telephone revenue shortfall further complicates funding. He emphasized he was not proposing a solution but seeking guidance from the Board. Maintenance for Out of County Prisoners for January 2026 Administration Fee $10,532.06 Social Security $0.00 Tylenol $0.00 Monthly Sub-total $10,532.06 Year-to-date GRAND TOTAL $10,532.06 Program Fees,R&B Income Billed Collected Work Release Inmates $0.00 $0.00 Weekend Inmates $0.00 $0.00 Monthly Sub-total $0.00 $0.00 Year-to-date GRAND TOTAL $0.00 $0.00 Facility Population for January 2026 Sentenced Male Female Total Full-time 39 5 44 Work Release Inmates 0 0 0 Weekend Inmates 0 0 0 Inmates Awaiting Trial and/or 243 47 290 Sentencing Grand Total 282 52 334 Examinations Performed By Physician for January 2026 Examinations 48 New Commitments 139 Dental Extractions 22 Medical Transports by Sheriff 19 Contracted Housing Fee/Month $0.00 Yearly Total $389,154.00 525 MINUTE BOOK PRISON BOARD WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLANIA IMR LIMITED E1al6§I9LD Warden Fewell requested an executive session for personnel reasons to be held at the conclusion of board business. Mr. Sherman entertained a motion to accept the Warden's report as presented, except for the executive session item not yet discussed. Mr. Maggi made the motion, and Ms. Janis seconded it. The motion was unanimously carried with the Board signifying their approval by stating"Aye." BOARD DISCUSSION None. BILLS None. OLD BUSINESS None. NEW BUSINESS Solicitor Sweat noted that the meeting was being held because the President Judge sent him an email about juvenile beds. Mr. Sherman said because there were so many members absent he would prefer to hold off until the next meeting to discuss. The Board then went into executive session for personnel matters. Upon returning from executive session, Mr. Sherman entertained a motion to accept the Warden's Report from executive session. Mr. Maggi made the motion, and Ms. Janis seconded it. The motion was unanimously carried with the Board signifying their approval by stating"Aye." Mr. Sherman then entertained a motion to approve an agreement with Jefferson County, OH for juvenile placement beds at a rate of$150/day, effective date of agreement and can be terminated by either party with a 30-day written notice. Note: This request is contingent upon County Board of Commissioners' approval. Mr. Maggi made the motion, and Ms. Janis seconded it. The motion was unanimously carried with the Board signifying their approval by stating"Aye." There being no further business, Mr. Sherman adjourned the meeting at approximately 10:56 a.m. THE FOREGOING MINUTES SUBMITTED FOR APPROVAL. 2 ATTEST: SECRETARY