PROBATION PROGRAM CONSIDERED BY COUNTY TO GENERATE REVENUE

Bradley County may have an opportunity to receive additional revenue.

On Tuesday, Bradley County commissioners were proposed with a misdemeanor
probation program during the regular commission meeting at the courthouse.

"Bradley County is one of the only counties in this part of the state that
doesn't have a misdemeanor probation program," said Gary Davis, county
executive.

Davis also added that a misdemeanor probation program would reduce the
burden in the court clerk's office and prevent future jail crowding,
especially when the new Justice Center is built.

Craig Turner, co-founder of Tennessee Correctional Services, says that the
company offers various programs which would help alleviate many of the
problems in Bradley County courts including a local office with local
employees, enhanced public safety and no cost to county taxpayers for the
services provided.

Turner also says that collection rates usually increase 44 percent in
counties where his company operates.

"Bradley County can expect a 44 percent increase in revenue in 12 to 18
months," Turner said in his presentation.

Turner revealed that the company can also offer other services, such as
behavior schools for DUI, drug and domestic violence offenders and
electronically monitored house arrests. In addition, the services are
funded from a $35 fee charged to offenders and from fees charged for
special services such as the schools.

Davis strongly encouraged the commission to consider Tennessee Correctional
Services or another misdemeanor probation program similar to it.

The County Commission will meet for a special work session on Monday at 7
p.m. at the new Walker Valley High School.