ELIZABETHTOWN — Commissioners in Bladen County gave approval Monday to a federal inmate housing program estimated to generate more than $1 million annually.
The Sheriff’s Office proposal, according to an accompanying PowerPoint presentation, said housing 80 federal inmates could generate $1,635,200. Expenses of $510,494 would recur annually, netting $1,124,706 that would go to the county’s general fund.
At 100 inmates, the recurring expense would not change and the net income would go to $1,533,506.
Sheriff Jim McVicker said he’s been told by federal authorities it is his choice on how many inmates to bring through the program. Thus, the language of the contract was changed to allow up to 110 federal inmates.
The unanimous approval by the panel also allows for the addition of eight detention officers and 911 telecommunicators; an amended pay plan for detention officers and telecommunicators; appropriation of $80,000 to purchase two transport vehicles; and appropriation of $100,000 for recurring maintenance.
The average salary of detention officers is rising from $32,389 to $35,742. The sheriff said this encourages retention of existing staff, ability to recruit additional quality trained employees, and brings the county on par with surrounding counties.
McVicker said work to make the jail ready is ongoing, including painting. The earliest start date would be 14 days away but more likely, he said, would be to begin the first or second week of December.