White County jail and corrections staff requested several personnel and capital items during the April 14 budget presentation, including pay parity for a maintenance-position worker, additional step raises and replacement of worn infrastructure.

A county representative said the maintenance-helper role, currently staffed from a corrections position, should be converted and paid at parity with correctional deputies so the jail regains a corrections slot and the maintenance workload is staffed appropriately. The jail is roughly 22 years old and staff described a steady stream of work orders for routine repairs.

The committee heard requests for step raises and cost-of-living adjustments for jail staff; staff noted overtime remains a sizable expense driven by vacancies and required coverage. Other capital requests included replacement of “salted port” doors (four units cited) and an upgrade or replacement for jail computers that cannot be upgraded to Windows 11 per IT timelines.

The jail also asked for a SORT (special operations) commander position to coordinate training and facility searches, and for funds to cover inmate clothing and healthcare costs, which jail staff said had risen substantially.

Committee members discussed timing (some projects listed for FY2027) and asked for further details on costs and schedule.