Oklahoma DOC ordered to cut $2.964 million
OKLAHOMA CITY – Corrections Director Joe M. Allbaugh released the following statement on the revenue failure announced today at the Board of Equalization meeting.
The revenue failure will require the Oklahoma Department of Corrections to cut $2.964 million.
“Today’s announcement comes at a time when our state prisons are severely understaffed, well over capacity and have in excess of $2 billion in infrastructure needs. The result may come at an increased risk to public safety. Further, I don’t believe in furloughs or putting this on the backs of our employees.
"Just like last year, we will come up with a plan that is in the best interest of keeping our employees, the facilities and the public’s safety at a premium."
Perspective on cutting $3 million:
- Three months of paying for the inmates in county jail backup.
- Pays the entire staff for 18 days.
- Approximately two months of food for inmates ($1,570,000 is the monthly average the DOC spends on food for inmates.)
- Approximately three months of utility costs for the entire agency ($918,000 is the average monthly utility costs for the agency).
