Kimberlee Kruesi
The Times-News
BOISE, Idaho — Idaho budget writers on Monday approved a $1.9 million appropriation to begin hiring 90 correctional officers and support staff in the takeover of a privately managed state prison.
Gov. C.L. “Butch” Otter has announced that the state will operate Idaho Correctional Center south of Boise starting July 1. Taxpayers now spend $29 million a year for the Nashville, Tenn.-based Corrections Corporation of America to operate the 2,080-bed prison.
Under CCA management, the prison has been sued and wracked by accusations of violence, gang activity and understaffing. It is also being investigated by the Idaho State Police.
The Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee voted 19-1 Monday for the funding. Only Sen. Steve Vick, R-Dalton Gardens, was opposed.
In February, the committee will be asked to approve a nearly $25 million operating budget for the prison as outlined in Otter’s fiscal year 2015 budget proposal.
But the Department of Corrections needs to hire 72 correctional officers, who will need nine weeks of training, before the transition is complete, said Director Brent Reinke.
Along with the new staff, the $1.9 million will pay for uniforms, firearms and other equipment needed immediately, Reinke said.
Before voting, committee members raised concerns that the germane committees had not been able to discuss the policy aspect of the takeover before voting on reopening the budget.
Vick said he would vote against the $1.9 million supplemental because he wants more committee involvement.
“This was not an easy decision,” said state Sen. Dean Cameron, R-Rupert, committee co-chairman. “It was a lot to take under consideration. A number of us expressed concerns. … At the end of the day, it was clear this was really the only alternative we had.”