@oma_documenters Borgeson and Chris Rodgers were unanimously re-elected as Chair and Vice Chair

@oma_documenters Now the Board will recess into Board of Equalization

Board of eq adjourned, moving on to an update from Corrections Director Mike Myers

Myers said the department is still under budget, but some delayed projects and renovations will shrink that surplus in coming months. They also continue to spend money on overtime costs

The department is still working to get data from the new pre trial services system

8 officers below the rank of sergeant left in December. Myers said only one left after the new contract was approved

Myers said theres been a “tremendous spike” in applicants thanks to the new union contract

Average daily population decreased in December, as has been the trend for a couple months

Myers said this is the last time he’ll have a COVID report with the monthly update. There were zero cases among the prison population but 9 among the staff.

Myers thanked the Board for their assistance with the corrections center, especially regarding mental health services. He said their biggest problem this past year was staffing, and the new contract will help address that

41% of the prison population is diagnosed with a mental health issue. Those diagnosed have an average of 2.04 diagnoses

The Board was scheduled to tour the facility today, but they will delay it until next month

Moving on to the regular meeting, the Board approved the consent agenda, including authorization for a grant from the Violence Against Women Act

The Board recognized Chief Deputy Wayne Hudson’s retirement from the Sheriff’s office. Hudson said he has no regrets after 28 years as he moves on to a new opportunity in Ohio

The community services committee will meet this afternoon to discuss the County Fair and the Visitor Improvement Fund. The next meeting is Jan 24. Meeting adjourned at 10:18