“Innovative programs” at the Clarion County Jail helped the jail come in well under budget for 2019.
In his annual report Thursday, Warden Jeff Hornberger reported the jail’s expenses were at about 91% of the projected annual budget of $2,630,174.02. Hornberger said that is a savings of $228,513.
Hornberger said that barring a “catastrophic event”, the jail’s medical expenses were at 96% of the budget.
The jail had an average daily population of 87 inmates, the lowest since 2012.
“The numbers are going down and that is good for the taxpayers of Clarion County,” Hornberger said.
Hornberger credited several “innovative” programs in use by the courts that help to reduce the number of inmates.
The court has been using a drug and treatment and behavioral court and may be starting additional programs.
“Judge (Sara) Seidle-Patton addressed several new programs in her inaugural address,” said Hornberger. “These programs could also help to lower the jail population.”
Sheriff Rex Munsee said the county is also using a bail supervision program that reduces bail in some cases to avoid incarceration.
“There are some limits. It is really up to the Judge’s discretion,” said the Sheriff. “It has worked well for us over the past two years.
Hornberger said the lower inmate population does not impact the labor force. “We still need to do transports and there are always sick days,” he said.
Hornberger reported that there were 594 inmates at the jail in 2019. Of those inmates 431 were male and 163 female.
The largest numbers of offenses committed in 2019 were drug related. There were 85 charges of manufacture, delivery or possession with the intent to manufacture or deliver and 67 charges of possession. Hornberger noted the same person committed some of the offenses.
Jail board chairman Wayne Brosius commended Hornberger and his staff for keeping expenses below budget.
“It takes everyone working together,” said Hornberger.