|
Published: March 01, 2008 08:33 pm
High jail fees raise crime questions
By CHARLES OWENS
Bluefield Daily Telegraph
TAZEWELL, Va. — Tazewell County officials are questioning why they are leading Southwest Virginia when it comes to crime and the number of inmates incarcerated in the regional jail system.
During a strategic planning session last week, members of the county Board of Supervisors questioned why the county’s regional jail fees now top close to $600,000. The county also averages 315 daily inmates in the regional jail system, according to County Administrator Jim Spencer.
“I would like for the county or someone to come in and see what is going on,” Spencer said. “Is the crime in our county two to three times worse than other counties? Why is that? What can we do?”
Bill Rasnick, board chairman, said the county joined the regional system several years ago due to overcrowding at the Tazewell County Jail.
“The day they opened the new jail over here it was overcrowded,” Rasnick said. “So we had no choice but to go to the regional jail. But we’ve still got to look at ways to save money. The costs are horrendous.”
Rasnick said Tazewell County is currently housing more inmates in the regional jail system than most Southwest Virginia counties.
“There is a problem,” Rasnick said. “We’ve got twice as many inmates as Wise County.”
However, Rasnick said Wise and Tazwell counties have a similar population and similar demographics.
Rasnick said the county needs to look at what can be done to save money in terms of the regional jail system.
Last week’s meeting also served as a planning session for future projects and goals.
Spencer said other goals or objectives for the board in the coming months and years is to aggressively seek opportunities to enhance and improve the quality of life of Tazewell County citizens; to seek or continue to seek alternative funding sources; to develop a regional industrial park for the western end of Tazewell County; to improve and maintain the county’s existing infrastructure; to create local talent through workshops and other educational opportunities; to continue efforts for new job creation and existing job retention; to promote and to develop e-government as a way to make local government more user friendly and accessible through the Internet.
Spencer said the creation of a new industrial park in the Richlands or Claypool Hill area is a priority for the board.
“There are businesses that don’t fit into the Bluestone,” Spencer said. “What are we going to do with them. We don’t want to lose them.”
While the proposed 680-acre Bluestone Regional Business and Technology Park project near Bluefield, Va. seeks to entice high-paying technology-based jobs to the region, other more traditional manufacturing based businesses could be located at a new industrial site, Spencer said.
– Contact Charles Owens at cowens@bdtonline.com
• Click to discuss this story with other readers on our forums.
|
|
|
|
 |
SALES COUNSELOR
SALES COUNSELOR
Roselawn Funeral Home and Cemetery is seeking a Sales Counselor for our Advance Planning Department...>MORE
CERTIFIED MEDICAL ASSISTANT AND LPN POSITIONS
Busy medical practice in Bluefield looking for the best professionals in the area for Certified Medical Assistant and LP...>MORE
BAIL BONDS PERSON
Bail Bonds Person needed for Mercer County. Must be
licensed in Property & Causality Insurance Agent. Call Bill G...>MORE
ELECTRICIAN / MAINTENANCE
Electrician / Maintenance
Local firm is taking applications for an experience Electrician / General Maintenance Per...>MORE
SALES REPRESENTATIVE
Sales Representative-
Seeking an assertive, energetic, and goal-
oriented media professional. Responsible for ...>MORE
SHOP MECHANIC
Shop Mechanic
Full-time position with the City of Bluefield Public Works Department.
Responsible for repair an...>MORE
LPN's
Accepting Applications
For LPN’s. Must be licensed in WV. Full time 11-7 shift with full benefits. Apply at GlenWoo...>MORE
See all ads |
710 SPRING GARDEN DRIVE, BLUEFIELD, WV
710 Spring Garden Dr. Blfd, WV Sat July 11
7 am - 1 pm Misc household, clothing & ect. ...>MORE
224 CALVIN ST., BLUEFIELD, VA
2 Family Yard Sale Sat. July 11. 8 am - ? 224 Calvin St., Blfd, Va.
To Many Items to List!!...>MORE
BOULDER PARK COMMUNITY YARD SALE
Boulder Park Community Yard Sale Sat. July 11th. 8am - 2:30pm....>MORE
1008 JAMES ST. • BLUEFIELD, WV
Bluefield, WV 8-3 7/10 & 7/11 1008 James St. Furniture, toys, dishes, household items....>MORE
300 PARKDALE DR, BLUEFIELD, VA
First time. July 10 - 11. 8 am -1 pm. 300 Parkdale Dr, Blfd, VA. Some furn., household items & childs metal swing set....>MORE
218 WILLOW OAK DR, JOHO ESTATES, PRINCETON, WV
3 Family - 218 Willow Oak Dr.,Joho Estates Pctn. Fri & Sat. July 10 & 11. 8 - 1. Baby items....>MORE
See all ads |
HOUSE FOR RENT
Taking application for 3 BR, 1 BA house on 1716 Whitethorn Ext. $525./ month 304-320-4163 ...>MORE
MOBILE HOME FOR SALE
1982 Windsor 2 BR, Dishwasher/ W/D, trash compactor, outbuilding. $2500 or best offer. Good condition. (304)308-0095...>MORE
FURNISHED APARTMENT FOR RENT
1 BR, AC, free water and sewer. Springville, VA Area. $260/mon. No pets. 276-326-1571....>MORE
LAND FOR SALE
48 Acres near Elgood. Level to hilly property, nicely wooded, electric, $59,000. Free Maps (740) 989-0260...>MORE
FOR RENT
Nice 1 BR Apartments. Bluefield Ave. Bluefield, WV. $375./mo. Most Utilities Furnished.
(304) 920-1168...>MORE
FOR SALE
Brierwood.Bluefield, VA 2001 Split Foyer
2571 sq. ft. 4 BR 3 full BA 2 levels, 1 fireplace 1.1 acres $299,000.0...>MORE
See all ads |
2 MAHONGANY STEP TABLES, 2 COUCHES, 2 HIGH BACK ROCKER CHAIRS, 2 LAMPS
2 Mahogany Step End Tables, 2 Couches, 2 High back Rocker Chairs
2 Lamps. $575. for all. Cash and Carry Only!
...>MORE
ADOPTION!
ADOPTION-First grade teacher hopes to adopt your newborn. Will
provide a warm, secure home filled with endless love...>MORE
See all ads |
|
 |
|
Print this story
E-mail this story
Discuss this story
