JASPER, Tenn. – The Marion County Commission is moving ahead with a plan to use electronic monitoring for non-violent offenders despite a disputed bid for the equipment.
In February, Marion Sheriff Ronnie “Bo” Burnett introduced a strategy used in nearby Grundy County that used the monitors to help save the county money.
Last year, Grundy saved $70,000 using the program, he said.
“That’s what caught my eye,” Burnett said. “If this thing works out, we could save probably $100,000. That’s the reason I brought it to [the board].”
Marion leaders requested proposals for the monitoring equipment, and last month County Mayor David Jackson said they accepted a low bid from Tennessee Electronic Monitoring in Winchester, Tenn.