Corrections chief says some local MHI workers will be retained by state

DES MOINES (AP) ? Iowa?s corrections department will continue to employ some workers that also serve the soon-to-be-closed state mental health institutions in Clarinda and Mt. Pleasant, the agency?s newly appointed leader told a legislative panel Tuesday.

Jerry Bartruff, who recently took over the state Department of Corrections as acting chief, told lawmakers on an appropriations subcommittee that $2.1 million in the proposed budget for the next fiscal year will be transferred from the state Department of Health and Human Services to corrections.

The money will be used to staff jobs at the facilities that had been shared by both departments, according to Bartruff. They include administrative jobs, kitchen staff and other positions that help with upkeep of the campuses.

State officials have not said if any other workers at the mental health facilities will lose their jobs.

The corrections department has inmates at the Clarinda and Mt. Pleasant campuses. The campuses also are home to two of the state?s four mental health institutions. Gov. Terry Branstad has proposed phasing out state mental health services at the two campuses later this year, though corrections will continue to operate there.

Bartruff said he does not plan to expand correctional space at either location once the mental health facilities close.

Branstad?s decision has sparked outrage from mental health groups who say the closures will hinder some residents? ability to seek nearby health services. State officials have said the facilities are outdated, costly and of service to only a small number of people. They also say most current patients will complete their treatment program before the facilities close.