MAHONING COUNTY Report: Get plan for jail's upkeep

Some inmates complained of chipping their teeth on rocks found in potatoes.
By BOB JACKSON
VINDICATOR COURTHOUSE REPORTER
YOUNGSTOWN -- Mahoning County should develop a strategic plan for upkeep of its jail, and should evaluate its contracts with vendors who provide services for inmates there.
Those were among the recommendations in a report issued Tuesday by the county grand jury, which completes its term this month.
As is customary in the county, the grand jury toured the jail in November, examining its condition and inquiring about the discipline and treatment of inmates, their habits, diet and accommodations.
In a report prepared by foreman James P. Dwyer, the panel cited problems with the kitchen area of the jail, and noted complaints from inmates about the quality of food they are served.
The nonskid surface of the kitchen floor has eroded in certain areas from daily wear and water damage, Dwyer wrote.
"The kitchen was not clean, as one would expect and there was food on the floor," the report says.
Specific complaints
It says at least six inmates complained to grand jurors that they had found small rocks in potatoes they had been served with their meals. Three inmates said they had chipped their teeth on the rocks.
Inmates also complained that their food trays had a "dirty scum" on the inside surface, which the report says is a credible complaint because the jail's automatic dishwasher frequently breaks down.
Dwyer's report says the grand jury examined jail menus for a four-week period.
"Although the menus on their face appear to be satisfactory, the grand jury questions the manner in which the food is prepared and served, given the plethora of unsolicited complaints," the report says.
Sheriff Randall Wellington had not seen the report, but said he has not received any complaints from inmates about finding rocks in food. He said the jail contracts with a private vendor to provide food service at the jail.
"Once I have seen the report, I will evaluate it and we will certainly rectify any deficiencies, if any exist," Wellington said.
Plans to correct problems
He said the county already is making arrangements to replace the kitchen floor and buy a new dishwasher for the jail kitchen, so those problems should be corrected soon.
The grand jury noted that a funding cut imposed on the sheriff's department this year by county commissioners has contributed to a staffing shortage at the jail, which in turn causes inmates to be locked in their cells for hours at a time.
The budget crunch also contributes to a lack of supplies at the jail, and possibly to the food problems, the report says.
bjackson@vindy.com