County detention costs running over budget
Published Saturday, October 27, 2007
Court Services Director Chuck Kitzman presented case loads and budget numbers to the County Human Services Board detailing an increase in detention costs of $20,000 over budget with one month left in the fiscal year.
According to fiscal records provided by Kitzman, the secure detention budget for 2007 was $54,000. It currently sits at $74,323, a difference of $20,323.
“I’ve budgeted $65,500 for next year based on what’s been happening the last couple of years,” he said.
Otter Tail County Court Services detention budgets have fluctuated since 2003. Odd numbered years have come in around $50,000, making 2007 an exception. A five year high was reached in 2006 at $85,570.
“I’m hoping to see it start to level off on those type of costs,” he said. “Our numbers are up because of an increase in adult cases not juveniles.”
Kitzman attributes the drop in juvenile numbers to the fact numbers of students in school are dropping. But he also noted the fact that an increase in services for troubled juveniles are having a positive impact.
“It’s because of a combination of doctors, teachers and special ed programs, they (juveniles) don’t get to a point where they need a probation officer.”
Kitzman cited alternative school programs in Fergus Falls and Perham, including Twin Oaks private school and the ALC at the high school expanding every year serving more kids.
“It’s a way of addressing kids who would have dropped out of school,” Diane Thorson, public health director said. “There’s more private, home school and alternative options.”
“There are a lot of kids out there who don’t do well in a traditional school system,” Kitzman said.
Juveniles Placed on Probation:
2001 283
2002 280
2003 252
2004 258
2005 205
2006 223
2007 190 (to date)
Secure Detention Budgets:
Total Spent 2003 $51,320
Total Spent 2004 $78,140
Total Spent 2005 $50,024
Total Spent 2006 $85,570
Total Spent 2007 $74,323
2007 Monthly Adult/Juvenile Caseloads:
Jan. 376
Feb. 362
Mar. 372
Apr. 371
May 381
June 354
July 339
Aug. 352
Sept. 380
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