By Janet O’Neill
Record Searchlight
RED BLUFF, Calif. — Tehama County is looking for a consultant to refine how an inmate work farm would ease the demands of last year’s public safety realignment.
On Tuesday, the Board of Supervisors agreed to seek proposals for the study required to advance a key element of its recently approved Community Corrections Partnership plan to help solve growing inmate populations brought on by Assembly Bill 109. Up to $50,000 was previously earmarked for the study, which will examine how the current jail functions and further develop the work-farm concept, according to a staff report.
An early foray into the workfarm realm was derailed in January, when officials backed off a proposal to consider land near the landfill off Plymire Road for such a facility after neighboring residents complained.
But the idea, if not the location, endured, with the partnership looking to free up jail space and offer a way to reduce recidivism.
In the overall plan approved last month after seven months of meetings, the group agreed to pursue the minimum-security adult detention facility, which would include space for agricultural training, classes, and drug, alcohol and mental health programs.
“We’re keeping our options open and this will be an honest study to see what Tehama County really needs,” Chief Administrator Bill Goodwin told supervisors Tuesday.
Supervisor Dennis Garton quizzed Goodwin about whether site selection would be addressed in the study.
“I see that as a major hurdle,” Garton said.
Goodwin referred to the proposal document, which says the county hasn’t picked a spot and is considering “several areas.” While consultants will have the option of submitting a separate site-selection proposal, it’s not required of bidders, Goodwin said.
Tom Mohler, a frequent commenter at board meetings, urged supervisors to keep residents apprised of deliberations regarding AB 109.
“I think we need to get the public involved in this,” Mohler said.
Tehama County’s jail, first built in 1974 and added onto 20 years later, has a rated capacity of 191 inmates. That number has been averaging just over 200 since Jan. 1, and the jail isn’t suitable for expansion.
Realignment has increased the projected stay at the jail, which also has limited space for adding educational, counseling or other projects, the request for proposals says.
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