P - Present
E - Excused
A - Absent
Roll Call
E Putnam, Vice-Chair
P Madden
P Koskan
P Kleven
P Greenfield
P Apa
P Duxbury
P Dennert
P Drake, Chair
OTHERS PRESENT: See Original Minutes
(Meeting jointly with House Appropriations)
The meeting was called to order by Co-chair Drake
DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS
Ms. Annie Mertz, LRC, provided budget information for the committee (Document #1)
Mr. Jeff Bloomberg, Secretary, Department of Corrections, introduced members of his staff and gave
an overview of the structure of the department. (Document #2). Mr. Scott Bollinger, Director of
Operations assisted with the presentation.
Administration
Mr. Bloomberg reported that the FY 2002 recommended budget of $62,028,325 contains $1,271,430
for the central office, $41,877,909 for adults and $18,878,986 for juveniles.
Major increases of general funds for the FY 2002 budget include:$1,021,564 for inmate medical
costs, $146,331 for food services, $323,461 for computer services, and $220,798 for salary package
for JCAs and parole agents.
Mr. Bloomberg responded to committee concerns on the increased cost of medical care saying they
currently have a year to year contract with Sioux Valley Hospital and Rapid City Regional Hospital.
He said because of the increased cost to care for inmates they are negotiating new contracts. It was
pointed out that each inmate is expected to pay $2.00 per medical visit and about $25,000 is
recovered.
A discussion followed on the population and classification of inmates and Mr. Bloomberg said as
of this date there are 2724 adult inmates. Ms. Laurie Feiler, Department of Corrections provided the
committee with a breakdown of crimes of South Dakota inmates and explained how an inmate is
classified for placement in the correct facility. (Document #3). Some of the things they consider is
what they are in for; what is their offense history; have they done time before; what is their length
of stay; and what is their escape history.
Mr. Bloomberg informed the committee that there would be a major increase in funding for detention
centers due to the increase of rates the counties charge the department from $100 to $150 per day.
Rep. Lange asked about the status of the volunteer mentoring program and was advised there are
now nine communities with the program and they have 125 trained volunteers.
The committee recessed at 10:15 a.m. and reconvened at 10:35 a.m.
Mr. Bloomberg reported to the committee, the impact of the $1.50 hour pay raise . He said the pay
increase has helped, not only cut the turnover rate from 50% to 35% but has also increased the
number of applications received for employment.
Mike Durfee State Prison
Provides care and custody of medium security male inmates; provides the opportunity to learn
marketable job skills, provide programs to address substance abuse; provide programs to correct
deficiencies in elementary and/or secondary education and antisocial behavior and to prepare each
inmate for successful return to society.
The proposed budget increase of $462,668 and 6 FTEs is comprised of $156,895 in general funds,
$220,220 in other funds and $150,000 in federal funds. The average daily population is estimated
to be 1,006. The proposed increase of 6 FTEs will be deleted through the amendment process as they
will remain the South Dakota Housing Authority.
State Penitentiary
To administer the operation of the South Dakota State Penitentiary in compliance with applicable
policies and statutes of the state of South Dakota.
The proposed increase of $278,059 includes an increase of $240,891 in general funds and $40,294
in federal funds.
Women's Prison
To administer the operation of the South Dakota Women's prison in compliance with applicable
policies and statutes of the state of South Dakota and to habilitate inmates by rehabilitation,
vocational, and continuing educational programs
The proposed increase of $315,093 includes $1,744 in general funds and $295,465 increase in
federal funds and $17,884 in other funds. The average daily population is 192 inmates.
Mr. Bloomberg told the committee they would like to open a new building to accept federal
prisoners. He said they would be getting a minimum of 17 prisoners. The new facility would have
a capacity of 96 prisoners and could be used as an overflow for other inmates. The federal
government would reimburse at a rate of $51.00 per day for a total of $316,455 per year. The
department is requesting funding authority $300,843 to cover finishing the new building and an
additional 6 FTEs.
Pheasantland Industries
To provide the program and technical assistance necessary to create a self-supportive Prison Industry
System within the context of offender training programs and provide compensation for work
performed.
There is a proposed budget increase of $54,596 in other funds and 1 FTE. The Governor, through
a special appropriation, is recommending $1,177,000 in other fund authority to spend revenue from
Prison Industries Revolving Fund for the construction of 3 prison industries buildings.
Mr. Bloomberg reviewed the traditional, private sector and community services that employ inmates
at the various prison locations. He explained to the committee that money earned by an inmate is
distributed between a personal spending account and the cost of his care.
Community Service
To provide work opportunities through work release and community service activities in both
correctional facilities and contracted housing. This provides job skills to minimum security inmates
so they are better prepared to reenter society upon release.
The total increase of $120,800 consists of a decrease of $30,000 in federal funds and an increase of
$150,800 in other funds.
Parole Services
To supervise inmates released from the state adult correctional facilities on parole or suspended
sentence.
The proposed increase of $518,865 included $171,797 increase in general funds and a $347,068
increase in federal funds.
Because caseloads have almost doubled in the last five years the department is requesting $73,281
for across the board raises for agents to bring them in line with Court Service Officers of the UJS.
This increase would bring job worth for agents up to $28,036.80.
Mr. Bloomberg explained that it was more cost effective to have an inmate on parole than it is for
them to be in prison.
The committee will continue with the Correction budget on January 16, 2001.
MOTION:
ADJOURN
Moved by: Klaudt
Second by: Sutton (Duane)
Action: Prevailed by voice vote.
Jeanette Black
____________________________
Committee SecretaryBob Drake, Chair
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