Jefferson court to consider raises for jailers

PINE BLUFF, Ark. (AP) - The Jefferson County Quorum Court is planning to consider whether to approve raises for jailers and a request for more employees at the Jefferson County jail.

The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette reports (https://bit.ly/1gXdHwQ ) the court will consider the proposals Monday night.

The move comes nearly two weeks after 80 inmates caused more than $20,000 in damage during a riot at the 327-inmate-capacity jail. Jail officials say the uprising likely occurred because inmates know the facility is understaffed.

Money for the raises and more employees would come from an existing one-fourth percent sales tax and a 1 percent public safety sales tax that now fund operations and equipment.

Officials say an exact amount needed for the requests is still being calculated.

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Information from: Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, https://www.arkansasonline.com