News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
The Putnam County Commission voted to approve the new jail healthcare contract with Quality Correctional Health Care Monday evening.
Company President and Founder Dr. John Bates says a new health system was much needed after his initial examination of the county’s needs.
“This is one of the busiest jails of Tennessee, bar none, and we [cover] almost 30 jails in Tennessee,” Bates says. “It’s as busy as jails that are larger than Putnam County’s.”
The commission also voted to approve a budget amendment for the sheriff’s office to help cover the contract. The approval brings their budget to $1.3 million.
Sheriff Eddie Farris says he knows the amendment wasn’t ideal but appreciates the support of the commission on the issue.
“I’m pleased that they passed the contract. No one in the county likes spending extra tax dollars to keep inmates up,” Farris says, “but state and federal law mandates that we have to do that. But that comes along with no funding, so that puts it back on all the counties.”
Farris says he anticipates the aspects of the agreement – including new EKG machines and expanded mental health services – will benefit the jail in the long run.
“We’re hoping [The EKG Machines] will save some trips from the jail to the ER and things can be done in-house,” Farris says. “We can deal with mental health. At the time, we have about 30 percent of our inmate population dealing with mental health issues. Hopefully we can keep them in our facility and regulate them.”
The county voted 23-1 to approve the contract while unanimously approving the budget amendment. Commissioner Theresa Tayes was the lone vote against the contract.
