Pizza, fried chicken help pay inmates for work

CLINTON CO., Ind. (WLFI) - The floors of the Clinton County courthouse are being stripped and waxed. The labor isn't costing the county a dime, just some pizza and fried chicken.

Instead, the Clinton County inmates are doing the work.

The work isn't easy, but the men in the orange jump suits are happy to do it.

"I actually signed up for it," said inmate Patrick Davis.

Because when you are in jail, the four walls can get a little old.

"I just wanted something productive to pass my time," said Davis.

The work is helping county commissioners to save a bundle, an estimated $3,600 on this job alone.

Since the program began, County Commissioner Skip Evans said the inmates have moved two tons of paperwork at the courthouse as well as cleared snowy sidewalks.

"A contractor will charge us between $250 and $500. These guys will do it for a cup of coffee," said Evans.

Evans said other counties including Howard County use inmates in similar ways.
    
He said inmates volunteer for the work and convicted felons are not allowed.
    
"Anything we can save with the way revenues are right now, it's a great asset to the county," Evans said.

This job is just costing the county the cost of materials, plus a few fast food dinners.
    
Evans hopes to save more than $10,000 on labor on various projects throughout the end of the year. While it's new to Clinton County, he thinks others may soon follow.

"Oh I think everybody should considering doing it, the way revenues are right now," Evans said. "This is a great way to save money and actually get these guys out of jail and actually put forth a positive image."

Davis is serving time after an operating while intoxicated conviction. He hopes that soon he'll be working for money, for himself.

"It's all about your attitude, like I'm trying to change my life a little bit, quit coming to jail," Davis said.