Kern County Sheriff threatens jail closing to save budget

The Associated Press
10:19 a.m. June 29, 2009

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — The Kern County sheriff has proposed closing a minimum security jail and freeing 3,000 inmates rather than lay off deputies.

The county says it could save up to $6.5 million by closing Lerdo Jail's minimum security building.

Officials say they could find $4.4 million to help keep the jail open if union leaders agree to concessions that would require all county employees to pay 20 percent of their health care premiums. Currently only newer employees have to make the benefit contributions.

County supervisors plan to discuss the proposed jail closure at their weekly meeting Tuesday.
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Information from: The Bakersfield Californian, http://www.bakersfield.com

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