Commissioners delay action on new medical provider for jail

May 21—ANDERSON — The Madison County Commissioners have delayed a contract for a new medical provider for the county jail.

Sheriff John Beeman said Tuesday the new medical contract with Comprehensive Correctional Care would provide 24-hour medical care at the jail and provide services to the Madison County Correctional Complex and the juvenile center.

The Commissioners will meet at 11 a.m. Wednesday to approve the contract for the same services to be provided at the jail.

Commissioner John Richwine was concerned that the Madison County Council hasn't provided funding for the enhanced service.

The Commissioners asked Beeman to get a contract from the company to continue providing only medical care at the jail.

Comprehensive Correctional Care is scheduled to begin providing medical services at the jail on June 1.

Beeman said he has the money in the budget to pay for just the inmate medical care at the jail through the end of the year.

"There is not an option," Beeman said. "The county has to pay for care of inmates."

David Kane, director the correctional complex, said the facility has 132 beds and can't go without medical care.

Beeman said he has submitted a funding request for the June meeting of the county council to pay for the enhanced services.

In other business, Lisa Cannon, the director of the IT department, said the county has to replace the computers used by government offices.

She said the county needs to purchase 375 computers at a cost of $365,015.

Cannon said several departments have indicated they have the funds to pay for the new computers. The intention is for the county to pay for the computers instead of making lease payments on the equipment.

Follow Ken de la Bastide on Twitter @KendelaBastide, or call 765-640-4863.