By Ray King
Committees of the Jefferson County Quorum Court on Tuesday recommended approval of two appropriation ordinances for the sheriff’s office totaling more than $368,000. On Wednesday, Sheriff Lafayette Woods Jr., said he was thankful for the support.
Appearing on the Oldies 101.3 morning show, Woods said Justice of the Peace Jimmy Fisher, the chairman of the Public Safety Committee, had talked with him to make sure the department’s finances were in order and the money was available.
At that same meeting, Woods said he was negotiating with the municipalities about jail financing and he was asked about that Wednesday.
Woods said that unlike other counties that depend largely on holding state and federal prisoners for much of their revenue and are hurting because of COVID-19, the pandemic has actually been beneficial to the county because the jail is serving fewer meals and providing fewer amenities.
He went on to say that the jail is still restricting the number of people it holds.
Woods was also asked about the Pine Bluff Police Chief Kelvin Sergeant, who was fired and then brought back by Mayor Shirley Washington.
