Prison expansion bids rejected
WAYNESBURG – Citing a higher than expected cost, Greene County Commissioners rejected all bids for the proposed prison expansion during their meeting Thursday. The apparent low bid was $558,000. When bids were opened earlier this month, Warden Harry D. Gillispie said the estimated project cost was closer to $300,000 to $400,000.
On Thursday, on the recommendation of the prison board, the commissioners rejected the bid from Wrangler Enterprises of Eighty Four. The rejection will allow the prison board and the warden to research additional information requested by board Chairman John Stets, commissioner Dave Coder said.
During the prison board meeting on Wednesday, Stets asked Gillispie for more information on the long-term need and financial sensibility of the expansion. He also asked for average population numbers from around the state to determine if overcrowding in other areas will continue.
The 50- to 60-bed dormitory-style addition to the existing prison, which has a capacity of 136 inmates, is not necessitated by overcrowding, but rather as a revenue source.
“We currently have a facility to take care of our own needs,” Gillispie said Wednesday, adding that roughly 20 beds remain open on average but those could be filled by “one good drug sweep.”
The prison does, however, generate revenue by renting some of those extra beds to house inmates from other counties. The proposed addition would be used to house additional inmates from inside the county, as well as renting space to other counties. Currently, Greene County houses inmates from Fayette, Butler and Indiana counties, which last month paid Greene a combined total of more than $23,000 to house inmates.
Also during their meeting Wednesday, the prison board discussed alternatives of reducing the scope of the project or handling the project in-house at a lower price. Kevin Gray, head of the county’s maintenance department, estimated the county could finish the project for $300,000 to $350,000.
The project will be discussed more at the next prison board meeting scheduled for June 14.
During their regular meeting Thursday, the commissioners also approved a resolution and agreement between the county and the state Department of Community Economic Development for a $500,000 Home Application Grant. The grant will be used as part of the housing rehabilitation program in the county, which seeks to bring low-income residents’ homes up to building codes.
According to Richard Davis, housing specialist for the county, the county can spend up to $24,999 on each home in an attempt to bring it up to code. Work can include roofing, electrical and other work that the owner cannot afford to complete.
The $500,000 grant, if awarded, will be for three years. Over that period, Davis said, the county should be able to clear the waiting list in the current “target area,” the 15370 ZIP code. The money should allow the county to bring 16 to 18 houses up to code.
The commissioners also approved a county Department of Recreation mini-grant application for $3,000 for construction of a pavilion and purchase of tables and benches for Sunset Park Playground in Waynesburg Borough.
May also was proclaimed Foster Parent Appreciation Month. The month is dedicated to honoring those foster parents who care for children of the county, which commission chairwoman Pam Snyder called “our greatest resource.” There are currently 16 foster homes in the county.
Also on Thursday, the salary board approved the hiring of Lori Harbert as Children and Youth Services administrator at a salary of $42,000, effective May 15, and waived the benefit waiting period. Harbert, who has served in multiple administrative positions, has more than 15 years of social service experience and holds a masters of social work degree from California University of Pennsylvania and is a licensed social worker.
“(Harbert is) an experienced professional who has a proven record of success,” Snyder said. “She has demonstrated a commitment to serving consumers and families and her work in both agency collaboration and multi systems will be a great asset to Greene County.”
Also approved by the salary board on Thursday were the hiring of Wilbur White as a substitute van driver at $8.90 per hour effective April 24 and Kara Moore as a part-time legal secretary at $9.62 per hour, effective April 27.