PERRY CO. (WSIL) -- A new push for change in Perry County as leaders deal with a tight budget.
The Perry County jail lost federal inmates due to staffing cuts in September. But recently, the U.S. Marshal Service has reached out about the county taking inmates again.
"They have since contacted me three times, wanting to continue to use us for their service if I can get staffing levels where it's at," he said.
Bringing federal inmates to Perry County could bring in more funding, but it takes money to make money.
In order to house federal inmates, the jail must have two corrections officers on each shift. Since the staff cuts, Bareis only has one overnight officer on duty.
"This can be a profitable relationship with the U.S. Marshal service, if we just make an initial investment for the right personnel and then we can move forward and it's going to pay for itself," he said.
Four officer positions need to be filled with funding from the county. The jail could then house 10 inmates. Bareis says this investment could bring in thousands of dollars.
"There's an element there that if you can get income here and surplant what would be regular taxpayers' money, then that money can be shifted to other areas of the county to help us get to where we can be stable as a county," he said.
Bareis added that upgrades to the facility are also needed. Roof fixtures and patrol vehicles are a few things on his list.
"County wide right now, there's some changes with Microsoft and software, everyone else has to go to Windows 10. When you're in my office and have to replace seven computers, now that's money we didn't budget for," he said.
He hopes the board considers his case and sees the good in the long run for the county.
"We need to keep the momentum going and stay up and use our money wisely."
The board's next meeting is February 20th at 6 p.m.
The sheriff anticipates an agreement with the U.S. Marshal Service on April 1st.
