Sheriff predicts taxpayers money to be saved

Sheriff Mike Crenshaw says there is taxpayers’ money to be saved thru a deal approved this week to allow a Tennessee-based company to provide inmate health care at the new Detention Center. State law requires Oconee County to provide medical care for those who are incarcerated. Oconee County Council awarded a contract worth nearly $255 thousand to Southern Health Partners of Chattanooga. When compared with the cost for inmate care last year, Crenshaw projects this year’s savings will  amount to about $112 thousand. Last year’s costs of $366 thousand included employee pay, prescriptions, medical supplies, doctor and hospital visits. Crenshaw said, “Southern Health Partners will be providing their own staff as far as nursing staff and a contract doctor, as well as dental services.” The new service will begin at the existing Detention Center July 1 and transition to the new penal facility when it opens.