Title: Rhea officials looking for way
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Blog Entry: By Kimberly McMillian Correspondent DAYTON, Tenn. -- A growing number of inmates and rising medical expenses at the Rhea County Jail have officials looking to cut costs at the lockup. County officials are reining in food costs and allowing some inmates furloughs so they can go to the doctor with their families rather than at county expense. The jail's average population is 94 men and women, finance director Pam Hixson said, but right now it is housing 120 people. Some of those are awaiting transfer to state prison. MEDICAL COSTS Medical, dental and prescription costs tiffany jewelry were almost $4,000 higher than the $107,000 budgeted for the fiscal year that ended June 30, county finance director Bill Graham said. Lieutenant of Corrections Melba Huffman said heart attacks are the biggest concern among older inmates, while complaints of nervousness and sleep disturbances are more common among younger ones. Sheriff Mike Neal said the jail is trimming medical expenses by having weekly visits from a local physician and by filling prescriptions by mail through IHS Pharmaceutical in Rainsville, Ala. A local dentist offers free exams and tooth extractions, Lt. Huffman said. Medical furloughs are granted at judges' discretion, officials said. Benfica Lisbon Last month, the county's Purchase and Finance Committee approved bids for jail food, milk and bread for $165,000, the same cost as the year before. Mr. Graham said housing fewer inmates would allow jail officials to decrease the amount budgeted for food in future years. ELECTION ISSUE Sheriff Neal, who is seeking re-election on Aug. 5, said the county soon will have to address overcrowding that has contributed to necessary budget adjustments. jewelry-y His Republican opponent, Mike Sneed, said that "competitive pricing across the board" and a line-item evaluation for specific expenditures would help lower costs. Independent opponent Jerry Lawrence was unavailable for comment. Kimberly McMillian is based in Rhea County. Contact her at . Other articles: http://xmastreetv.com/blog/view/id_3051/title_/ http://www.redonefilms.com/blog/view/id_2475/title_jotun-secures-contract-to-pain/
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