Court approves prepaid card system to return inmates’ funds on release
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Summary
The court approved a Cadmus-linked prepaid card system recommended by the jailer and the jail committee to expedite returning inmates’ funds upon release from custody; the committee had first approved the program and the Fiscal Court adopted it by voice vote.
The Barren County Fiscal Court voted on Nov. 18 to allow the jail to open a new checking account and use a Cadmus-linked prepaid card system so inmates receive money immediately when released.
Magistrate Tim Durham (District 3), who brought the jail committee recommendation to the floor, said the system is not fee-based for inmates and functions like a Mastercard tied to a checking account. "When the inmate leaves the jail, then the jailer or his staff will have a way to swipe the card and when they swipe that card, then the monies goes right to the prisoners," Durham said during committee discussion.
The jail committee had approved the program after hearing from the jailer, who described operational benefits such as reduced time spent locating addresses or issuing paper checks. The court approved the motion on the floor and the checking-account arrangement will be implemented by the jail.
Why it matters: The change aims to reduce delays and administrative costs in returning personal funds to people leaving custody. The court recorded no opposition during the voice vote.
Next steps: The jail and fiscal office will complete account setup and procedures for disbursing funds under the new system.