Is it all about the children?

Submitted by Dumping Ground on Fri, 02/15/2008 - 09:40.

Link...
For an article that's supposed to be about the sheriff's budget, it sure reads more like Blount Today is getting an early start on the political football season.

The article cites $464,000 dollars as being spent in the current fiscal year by Blount's law enforcement's health care for inmates, but only cite one expenditure that ran around $32K. Where did the rest of the $432,000 go?

If the goal of the article is about what it appears to be, politics, I can't wait to read the article on Judge Duggan's response to the situation. What would he have done with an eight month pregnant, cocaine using inmate? Would he have felt "furloughing" this addict, leaving her to her own devices, would have been the best thing for the unborn child?

However, Blount Today was thoughtful enough to include a statement from Judge Meares on how he sees his role of fiscal responsibility;

Meares said anyone who questions whether he is a fiscally conservative should look at the drug court budget for 2008 versus 2007.

“It’s gone from $174,000 to $119,000,” he said.

When was the last time Berrong had a 32% reduction of any of his budgets? Can't wait for next Thursday.

I saw that
Submitted by Andy on Fri, 02/15/2008 - 10:32.

I hoped that the citizens of Blount County could read past the political crap and just take a moment to breathe in the fact that Judge Meares made what was probably a life-altering decision in protecting that innocent baby.

And really, it is a little shocking that the Sheriff would even question that particular decision.

Berrong said this year has been bad for medical costs at the jail. “Last year we spend $550,000 for 12 months and that was the most we had ever had,” he said. “This year it has just bloomed out.

And to think Berrong wanted to expand the jail!

"I think it would be a good idea."
-Mahatma Gandhi, when asked what he thought of Western civilization

It is shocking and disheartening
Submitted by Dumping Ground on Fri, 02/15/2008 - 18:59.

And really, it is a little shocking that the Sheriff would even question that particular decision.

Don't forget the Mayor;

“We always try to ask the judge if we can furlough individuals. We try to get them furloughed before we have to send them to the hospital,” he said. “Anytime we have an inmate, the judge has the right to furlough them.”

With help from the Twinkie King
Submitted by BC fan on Fri, 02/15/2008 - 10:57.

When was the last time Berrong had a 32% reduction of any of his budgets?

Found an 11% reduction; Link...

The article cites $464,000
Submitted by Fairview Angel on Fri, 02/15/2008 - 15:07.

The article cites $464,000 dollars as being spent in the current fiscal year by Blount's law enforcement's health care for inmates, but only cite one expenditure that ran around $32K. Where did the rest of the $432,000 go?

Actually, the article says Medicaid paid for $24K of the $32K, so we should be trying to account for $456,000.

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