KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – The Kalamazoo County Board of Commissioners will receive a presentation today on the need for funding by their Community Corrections staff to continue programs for repeat offenders.
The board has been employing these programs to reduce jail populations and help prevent repeat offenders from committing new crimes.
They have been funding the programs with grants, savings and state support, but that money has now run out, and they need about $100,000 to cover the difference.
Community Corrections Director Ken Bobo says it’s an investment that would be returned many times over.
“It saves the county taxpayers money because property is not being destroyed, items are not being stolen, they’re staying out of the court system, and it keeps them in society,” Bobo said.
Currently, Community Corrections does not receive general fund dollars. They are required to pay rent for their space in the County’s Healy Street Center.
The meeting Tuesday will be the last for Interim Administrator Lisa Henthorn. She retires officially Wednesday.
Current Health Director Jim Rutherford will serve as her replacement until a permanent administrator is chosen and can assume the post later this spring.
The Board is expected to appoint Rutherford’s interim replacement at their Tuesday meeting.
— Copy written by John McNeil —
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