MANSFIELD — Richland County Sheriff Steve Sheldon reports that 42 inmates worked 4,314 hours, saving the county $65,000 in labor costs in 2018.
Sheldon reported the findings as part of his annual review of the Richland County Sheriff’s Inmate Community Work Program.
“The work this crew does, under the supervision of Officer Keith Witzky, benefits Richland County and its townships and affords non-violent offenders the opportunity to get out of their jail cells and do meaningful work,” Sheldon stated in a press release. “This team provides extra manpower for the county building maintenance department as they help with special projects at county facilities. For instance, when a department moves or remodels, this crew does all the furniture moving.
“They also shovel snow and spread salt at county buildings. At times, they help with painting projects as well. Dayspring, the county home, uses these workers to help with yard work, cleaning, moving furniture, and other projects.”
Sheldon said the work crew generally spends a few hours a week at the Fairgrounds helping prepare for weekend events and assisting with maintenance issues there. The Senior Center in Lexington called on this group to help move and arrange furniture and other items for their rummage sale.
The work crew also painted the fences at the ballparks in Ontario.
“Lucas, Lexington, Ontario, and Shelby all call on the inmate work crew from time to time, as do Franklin, Jackson, Madison, and Weller Townships,” Sheldon stated. “The crew helps with road work and cemetery maintenance, doing dry patch, guardrail maintenance and weed control.”
