Sheriff Josh McAllister gave the Police Jury some good news Monday night when he reported he’d waive costs for roadside litter pickup by a parish inmate crew, a monthly savings he estimated at $5,833.  He said lawmakers could apply the savings towards broadband expansion or whatever they see fit.

As an indication of how much trash residents throw out of their vehicles, he reported the crew had picked up 200 bags in the prior three days alone.

McAllister said the Sheriff’s Office will absorb this cost, adding that he’s proud to be involved in the cleanup effort recently spotlighted in the state’s “Love the Boot” campaign.  Not only does this ease the eyesore, he said, it is part of economic development.  “When a new business comes here and looks up and down our highways and sees litter, it’s not encouraging.”

The cleanup crew would be out on a four-day weekly basis.

The sheriff added that he’s working towards a second measure that could push the monthly savings to the jury to $9,000 or $10,000.  “I’ll ask that you give me one more month as we’re trying to get jail meal costs down from $15 to $14 per day per prisoner.  We’re working with the Department of Corrections.”  

This was an item he had voiced back when he served as police jury president.  Juror Author Robinson observed, “I understand food costs and that’s going to be quite a challenge.”  McAllister replied, “Yes, prices are high today.  What used to be $50 at the grocery store now costs you $200.  But I’ll try.  Our jail is not here for us to make money.”

Jury president Frank McLaren wrapped up this discussion by thanking the sheriff for the roadside trash pickup program and for allowing inmates to assist with some of the parish road equipment.  Then he added, “Don’t be in a rush on cutting the meal costs and put yourself in a bind,” agreeing that it could take a few months to sort details with the Department of Corrections.