Quality Correctional takes over health care for St. Clair inmates
Posted: Tuesday, March 10, 2015 8:59 pm | Updated: 1:24 pm, Wed Mar 11, 2015.
By GARY HANNER, Home staff writer
ASHVILLE – Quality Correctional Health Care started taking care of county inmates March 1. St. Clair County attorney James Hill III said everything is right on schedule and all is well.
“I spoke with Jail Administrator Austin Nash recently, and he tells me everything is working out as planned and it has been a smooth transition,” Hill said. “In good faith, they went ahead and began provided the service while we were completing the negotiations on the specific provisions of the contract.”
Hill said he and commission Chairman Paul Manning have reviewed the completed contract.
“We are comfortable with the terms of the contract,” Hill said. “The most significant change we had with this provider is that we now have 24-hour heath care. That is going to assist us in many different areas. We will have someone there at all times making decisions medically related.”
Hill added there are some things in the contract that Sheriff Terry Surles asked for specifically related to certain screenings. Hill then asked the commission to specifically authorize Manning to enter into this particular contract for the provision of these services.
Manning said he felt good about this contract and knows that in the long run, it will pay off.
The commission unanimously approved the contract.
In another matter, the commission approved a general fund budget amendment for $5,185.63 to share in the cost of Bloodhound data conversion and server upgrade for new software for the sheriff’s office and jail. The total cost is $15,556.89, and will be split three ways between the commission, sheriff’s office and jail.
Manning said Bloodhound has been around for a long time.
“It’s had its ups and downs,” Manning said. “I’m glad to see this being done.”
In other business, the commission;
– Approved the request of extension office Coordinator Lee Ann Clark to amend veterans’ services contract with Auburn University to make the position part-time (28 hours) rather than full time;
— Approved the Reversionary Agreement for a 2015 Ford F-250 SuperCab 4×4 purchased by the Forestry Commission;
— Approved the 2015-16 alcohol licensing fees, something the commission has to do yearly;
— Approved the recommendation of IT Director Glenn Morgan to enter into a contract with TSA for an analysis and evaluation of the county’s computer network. This contract is at no cost to the county;
— Approved the request of Heart of Pell City organization to use the St. Clair County Courthouse grounds in Pell City for their inaugural Easter Egg Hunt on April 4 from noon to 5 p.m.;
— Approved a request from the St. Clair County Soil and Water Conservation District for $500 to support their Classroom in the Forest project. The money will come from the youth portion of the bingo fund;
— Approved various travel requests; and
— Approved the payment of the regular bills.
Contact Gary Hanner at ghanner@thestclairtimes.com.