Non-violent prisoners moved to house arrest

YOUNGSTOWN — City officials approved a short-term contract to save money spent on housing prisoners that they expect will lead to a long-term deal to reduce that expense.

The board of control — Mayor Jay Williams, Finance Director David Bozanich and Law Director Iris Torres Guglucello — voted today in favor of the contract.

Community Corrections Association Inc. will electronically monitor up to 50 of the city’s indigent misdemeanor prisoners for $3,500 this month.

The city would save money by diverting nonviolent offenders from the Mahoning County jail to house arrest, said Anthony Farris, the city’s deputy law director.

The contract would be automatically renewed for September and October at the same monthly fee unless either side opts out of the deal.

The city will ask for proposals from agencies to provide this service permanently. CCA plans to seek that contract.

For the complete story, read Tuesday’s Vindicator or vindy.com