Local jail facing cutbacks, including layoffs

FRANKLIN, Ky. – Businesses and non profit organizations all over the state have felt the financial impact of this pandemic, and local jails are no different.

The Simpson County Jail is being hit hard financially as a result of COVID-19.

According to Simpson County Jailer Eric Vaughn, eight employees have been laid off until further notice.

Due to inmate releases on the state level, fewer state inmates are in custody in the jail, leading to the worker layoffs. The state pays county jails for housing state inmates.  When the number of state inmates decreases, funding for the jail also decreases.

Vaughn says he is hoping to rehire the staff members who were let go once the pandemic comes to an end.