Wednesday, November 4th, 2009

Unapproved spending triggered conflict among county commissioners Wednesday morning. Although the commission voted to give more money to its jail consultant, it's a bill some commissioners don't think they should pay.

"I just don't understand how helping us solve that problem now requires an addition," said Commissioner Tim Norton.

It's a clash over whether taxpayers should pay Justice Concepts an extra nearly $30,000.

The added cost is for work and travel done to help lower the jail population outside the scope of the original contract.

Commissioner Gwen Welshimer says it's because of unforeseen circumstances. She thinks the consultant is doing a good job,"As far as I can tell Justice Concepts is getting some results."

Commissioner Kelly Parks admits he used the consultant for extra work. He said as soon as he found out it cost more he stopped. But, he said,"I am going to be supportive of this one because the work has been done and that this is deserving."

But two commissioners are standing their ground, saying the county shouldn't foot the bill because the consultant should have known better.

"I'm having a hard time understanding how a highly paid consultant doesn't understand they have to get approval for additions to a contract. I mean it just escapes me," said Commissioner Dave Unruh.

The consultant's $124,000 contract ended this spring. Commissioner Tim Norton wonders why any work was done after that date without approval. Plus, he says Justice Concepts doesn't even have anything to show for it.

"It's interesting to me we can't get a report but we can get all the documentation on the travel done to the gnats eye of how they built up what we should pay but can't give us a report on what they saw," said Norton.

Commissioners are set to meet with Justice Concepts on November 19th to discuss what happened and to talk about possibly extending the contract.