Department of Public Works Director Dar Baas said the line processor positions at the Kent County Recycling and Education Center have long been staffed through inmate and court-ordered community service programs.
But a program run by Goodwill ended last year, Baas said.
"We were left with the question of how do we best staff this," he said.
The change prompted the department to start a pilot program in November, in which the center employs Kent County Jail inmates.
A group of 15-16 inmates are brought from the jail each morning by corrections officers. They work a 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. shift at the recycling center, with time for lunch and other breaks in between, before returning to the jail for the evening.
The inmates are paid minimum wage, $9.25/ hour, for their work. Baas said a paid inmate workforce appears to be more effective than the unpaid community service volunteers who have helped staff the facility in the past.
"We have seen a marked increase in the quality of the material that we’re brokering out as a commodity," he said.
The new system worked so well, Baas said, they decided to extend the partnership on a more permanent basis.
The Kent County Board of Commissioners on Thursday, March 22, signed off on a request to use Department of Public Works funding to pay for two corrections officers, who transport and supervise inmates working at the facility.
It will cost Baas’ department $244,947 a year for wages and benefits of the two deputies, plus another $26,863 to provide lunches to the inmates throughout the year.
Despite the new expense, Baas said their net cost is similar to what it was under the contract with Goodwill. That is because Goodwill’s contract included costs for supervising workers, and because the total number of line workers has been reduced — from 26 to 17 — as a result of recent upgrades at the facility.
Part of the upgrade was the installation of a screen that mechanically sorts out corrugated cardboard. It’s something the facility has seen more and more of as many consumers shift from traditional retail to online shopping.
"We had six people sorting corrugated cardboard before," Baas said. "Now we don’t need any."
Potential program participants are screened and selected by jail staff based on the seriousness of their crimes and their behavior.
Based on his observations at the facility, Baas said, those selected to work at the facility have a desire to be there and work.
"To me, I sense a very positive atmosphere," he said. "I think there’s even a waiting list."
Some past participants have even gone on to continue as part-time employees afer being released from jail, Baas said.
"I think that speaks to the good this can do," he said.
Though the recycling center staffs supervisors who manage operations on the technical side, a need was identified for experienced corrections officers there as well — to transport and supervise inmates and to diffuse any situations that might arise.
"Having that blended skill set, I think, is what has made it work well," Baas said.
To read the full story, visit http://www.mlive.com/news/grand-rapids/index.ssf/2018/03/work_release_program_places_in.html.