Paul Nowak was hired as a full-time home detention officer with Community Corrections.

KOSCIUSKO — The agenda was short and business was quick during the Kosciusko County Community Corrections meeting held last night, Oct. 9.

Last meeting, the board approved absorbing Kosciusko County Drug Court into the community corrections program. The board had the chance to review the drug court budget during this month’s meeting.

The only question concerning the budget was regarding the $22,428 price tag for insurance on a home detention officer. Director Anna Bailey explained that the cost was estimated for a family plan and the rates are reasonable. She further explained that not all the money budgeted would necessarily be used.

“If we approve it now and we don’t need it, it’s not a problem,” said Bailey. “If we don’t approve it now and need it we have to host a special meeting later.”

The board approved the budget as presented. The budget will need to go before the county council to receive approval to utilize user fees for some of the costs.

Bailey then announced that Patrick Olson was released from his position as a home detention officer. Olson was hired in April. Bailey would not comment any further on his release of employment.

Paul Nowak was hired as the new full-time home detention officer. Nowak previously was employed as court security. Ryan Reed was also hired on as a part-time officer.

In other news:

• Currently, the program has 91 active adults and 5 juveniles enrolled with 70 people having successfully completed the program.  Bailey noted that the program is “hooking up” around five new people a week.
• The project income stands at $353,294.03.
• The next meeting will be held at 6 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 8