Regina Chestnut

The meeting included discussion of the FY 2022 budget update, fiscal agent transition, population report, community corrections report, staff vacancy report, programs report, and superintendent's report. The board also discussed updated bylaws and the appointment of an interim superintendent. The transition of fiscal agent services between Middle River Regional Jail Authority and the County of Augusta was clarified, including the responsibilities and financial transactions through the end of 2022 and into early 2023. Updates on inmate records, community corrections, and program reports were provided, along with a superintendent's report covering COVID-19 cases, jail audit results, inmate transfers, work release programs, and financial management system implementation.

The Middle River Regional Jail Authority Board meeting included discussion of the FY 2022 budget update and the FY 2023 proposed operating budget. Reports and briefings covered population statistics, community corrections, staff vacancies, programs, and the Superintendent's report. Old and new business were addressed, and the board discussed a potential closed session. The meeting also involved a review of the Community Corrections Department, including Home Electronic Monitoring and Home Electronic Incarceration programs, and the status of male residential work release. The board also reviewed program reports, including education programs, addiction programs, therapy dog program, re-entry programs, and forensic discharge planning services. The Superintendent reported on COVID-19 cases, the upcoming audit, inmate transfers, and the restart of residential male work release.

The agenda includes approval of the October 5, 2021 minutes, public comments, comments from board members and legal counsel, and a finance report covering the FY 2021 Audited Financial Report, FY 2022 Budget Update, reconsideration of a bonus for non-sworn staff, additional positions funded in the FY 2022 Budget, a Munis Update, and a bank resolution related to the Munis Transition. Also includes reports and briefings on population, community corrections, staff vacancy, programs, and the Superintendent's report. Old business includes jail renovation, and new business covers a member jurisdiction resolution concerning renovation, election of officers, and the meeting schedule for Calendar Year 2022. A closed session is scheduled for legal advice/contracts.

The meeting included discussion of the finance report, including the FY 2022 Budget Amendment #2 related to the Compensation Board Bonus. Reports and briefings covered population statistics, community corrections, staff vacancies, programs, and the Superintendent's report. Old business included updates on jail renovation, particularly concerning the Board of Local and Regional Jails. The board also discussed the purchase of financial software, MRRJ's independent participation in the SAW Consortium, COVID-19 updates, digital mail service, and program reports.

The meeting included discussion of the Community Based Corrections Plan, with a review of three options for renovation and expansion. Option A involves renovating the existing facility and building a 400-bed minimum custody addition, expandable to 800 beds. Option B includes similar renovations and a 400-bed addition without future expansion capabilities. Option C proposes renovating the existing facility and building a 200-bed community custody facility and a 200-bed minimum custody addition. The board also discussed the election of officers and the board meeting schedule.