Twinsburg, Solon Chiefs Say Jail Agreement Helping Both Sides

In a time of a shaky economy, both Solon and Twinsburg police forces have formed a partnership that has been beneficial to each.

In January the two departments started a contract that would house Twinsburg prisoners in the Solon Jail for a flat, annual fee.

The contract, approved by both cities in December, is a three-year deal that will pay $85,200 per year.

Both police chiefs agree it's going better than expected.

"It's exceeded my expectations," Chris Noga, Twinsburg's police chief, said. "Things are going very, very well."

Noga said his officers can simply make an arrest, drop them off in Solon and head back to the streets. 

According to data compiled by Solon Police Chief Chris Viland, through the month of May Twinsburg has paid $35,500 and had nearly 200 prisoners taken to Solon jail.

With the new contract, Twinsburg is saving between 10 to 20 percent and has reduced labor costs, according to Noga. Part-time officers were working seven days a week with 12 hour shifts and now they're down to five days a week for four hours a shift. 

"I am very, very happy with the way it worked out," Noga said.

Viland said it's very helpful for his department in offsetting expenses.

"For us it's just a matter of trying to maximize our revenue," he said.

No matter how many prisoners are in the jail at any time, Viland has to keep it staffed the same. This way he can count on revenue coming in each month and offset more of his expenses.

"It's working out very well," Viland said. "Probably better for them than it is for us."