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Inmate Phone Calls May Save Maryland Jobs
April 29, 2010
ROCKVILLE, Md. — Inmates in Montgomery County could help the county save two jobs. How? Higher charges for phone calls.
Right now, when an inmate in Montgomery County phones home from the Montgomery County Correctional Facility, there’s a 65 cent charge to that inmate’s family.
The county is considering an additional surcharge of 35 cents.
The higher fee could save $122,000, which in turn could save two county jobs.
Art Wallenstein, director of the Montgomery County Department of Correction and Rehabilitation, says his department has already lost 33 positions.
Montgomery County is trying to close a $1 billion budget gap.
The council’s final vote on the budget comes next month.
WTOP’s Kate Ryan contributed to this report.
(Copyright 2010 by WTOP. All Rights Reserved.)
CAREBEAR911
about 3 years ago
192 Comments
I don't see how this idea is fair.. since inmates don't make much money as it is, and or it's not fair to charge their families...
comasterchief
about 3 years ago
522 Comments
Theres so much more that can be charged to an inmate to off set the cost of housing these inmates.
Jonas
about 3 years ago
38358 Comments
Sounds like someone has been taking Sheriff Joe lessons!!!!!
alexy
about 3 years ago
3970 Comments
How about cutting mont county's board of supervisor chairman's 6 officer security detail and make him drive a Chevy malibu instead of his 2008 Chevrolet Suburban?
Rumour
about 3 years ago
4 Comments
why not put the inmates to work and make them earn their money by doing laundry, etc, like back in the old days?
Book_Em_Mandie
about 3 years ago
6758 Comments
BUMP that ill_taze_u_bro!
We're in the same boat. They've cut our shifts down so low that we can't go home sick if we had to. Safety is also a main concern. Four Officers and 120 inmates, I'd say we're outnumbered. However, we're trying to stay positive and thankful that we're still employed.
ill_taze_u_bro
about 3 years ago
2868 Comments
Wow, they have already cut 33 jobs. Sounds like safety should be more of a concern then saving some money.
OFFICER_K_CPD
about 3 years ago
2296 Comments
Why not $4, really stick it to em lol.