City council takes action to address drug treatment at the jail

Columbus and Bartholomew County officials have agreed on a plan to fund a residential program coordinator to help treat drug-addicted inmates at the Bartholomew County Jail.

Both the city and county councils have agreed to fund the $57,500 requested to cover salary and benefits for the remainder of 2019. Chief Deputy Chris Lane with the Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Department explained during Tuesday night’s city council meeting that the job description for the position has been established, but a hire has not yet been made. He added that the person selected for the position would have to have the proper education and resume.

City council voted unanimously to approve the appropriation. County council approved the measure last week. Both bodies will need to approve it a second time. That’s expected to be completed by early July.