Inmates at Warren County Jail could soon have a counselor to advise them. 

The county’s Financial Management Committee approved contracting with CHEER Mental Health, a member of Volunteer Behavioral Health Services, for the jail’s inmate counseling needs. Final approval must be granted by the full Warren County Commission.

Commissioners originally approved $50,000 in the jail budget for 2019-20 to hire a counselor. The idea of hiring was dismissed. 

“We need a counselor, but we also need support services and CHEER can supply that,” said Warren County Sheriff Tommy Myers. “I want to start the mental health assessments of the inmates as soon as they walk in our door. Also, continue those services after they leave our jail. I’ve had the opportunity to sit down with Bryan Herriman (CHEER director) to discuss all this.”

CHEER will be hiring an additional counselor. That person will offer sessions to inmates who wish to participate. 

“I’m very much in favor of getting this moving,” said Myers.

While in custody, counseling services will be provided to inmates free of charge and paid by taxpayers. If they opt for continued care after being released, financial arrangements will be between those individuals and CHEER. Warren County’s mental health responsibility ends after release. 

Commissioner Scott Rubley questioned whom would be financially responsible for continued services once an individual is released from jail, and Myers responded, “That is something that Mr. Herriman would have to advise you on. He’s assured me that there would be continued services that would guide them after they leave this building.”

CHHER was the sole bidder. The contract would be for one year. 

“In the event that we were to rebid this, what would be the expense?” asked Rubley. “I’ve expressed my frustration with this before. I know we can’t force people to bid, but it frustrates me when we only have one bid and we have no other choice. I’d like to see some comparisons on this.” 

According to Finance Department director Justin Cotten, the cost to rebid would be $300.

The measure passed 6-1. Voting in favor were County Executive Jimmy Haley, Warren County Schools Director Grant Swallows, Road Superintendent Levie Glenn, Rubley and Commissioners Gary Martin and Daniel Owens. Commissioner Blaine Wilcher declined to vote. 

“Unfortunately for me, I’ve got some personal experience with this group,” said Wilcher. “It was not a good experience.”

The measure will go before the full Warren County Commission in December.