An audit of the Warren County Regional Jail’s efforts to help inmates with re-entry into society after serving their prison terms has earned praise and a near-perfect score from the Kentucky Department of Corrections.

The jail was audited Jan. 27-Feb. 3, with Department of Corrections Auditor Michele Parmley looking at seven different programs conducted by jail staff that are aimed at helping prepare offenders for release and reintegration back into society and at providing opportunities for inmates to reduce their jail terms.

Warren County Jailer Stephen Harmon presented the audit report during Thursday’s Warren Fiscal Court meeting, pointing out that the county jail earned a 100% score for its record-keeping and an overall score of 99%.

Parmley observed classes conducted by Capt. Doug Miles and Deputy Maggie Hutten and found only one-point deductions in her evaluation of those classes on such topics as anger management, trauma, parenting, and untangling relationships. A review of the jail’s record-keeping found no errors.

In her written report, Parmley said: “It was very apparent that Warren County Regional Jail has their own checks and balances in place. They hold each other accountable, they teach each other, and they support each other. I have been with compliance since the division started in 2022, and I have never audited a location, with this many programs, to have no book errors.”

While praising his staff for the impressive score, Harmon pointed out that the importance of the re-entry programs goes beyond getting a good audit result.

“We have seven evidence-based programs that allow offenders to earn time off their sentences and learn tools that can prepare them to not be incarcerated again,” Harmon said. “That’s important for the community.”

Harmon said the re-entry programs also help the jail financially through state incentives.

“We expect around $300,000 to come from the state because of our re-entry efforts,” he said. “Not only is it the right thing to do, it also has a financial impact. Any time you can keep an offender from becoming a repeat offender, there is a direct benefit to Warren County citizens and to the state.”

As Sixth District Magistrate Ron Cummings said, “Probably the most important thing they do at the jail is the re-entry program.”

The magistrates approved a number of spending items during Thursday’s meeting, including:

• $36,177.04 to Hobdy, Dye & Read for the purchase of two Kubota RTVs for Phil Moore Park and Buchanon Park.
• A 72-month, $1,450-per-month lease agreement with Enterprise Fleet Management for a 2025 Ford F-450 flatbed truck at Buchanon Park.
• $6,401 to Container One for purchase of two storage containers to store equipment for the parks and recreation department.
• $7,302 to Comfort Systems USA for replacement of the HVAC units at Phil Moore Park.

The next meeting of Warren Fiscal Court is scheduled for 9 a.m. on Feb. 27 in the county courthouse.