JAILER HAYES'
RESPONSE TO
FISCAL COURT REQUEST
FOR HER RESIGNATION
To the citizens of Crittenden County, all local and interested parties: Aug. 25, 2025:
I have been advised that without notice to me, the members of the Crittenden County Fiscal Court, specifically Magistrates, Matt Grimes, Chad Thomas, David Belt, Scott Belt, Travis Perryman, Robert Kirby and with the support of Judge Executive Perry Newcom voted to request my resignation as Crittenden County Jailer. I actually attended the August 21, 2025, Fiscal Court meeting and gave my monthly Jailers Report and answered numerous questions. After my report I had obligations that required me to depart from the meeting at 9:30am. I was given no notice of any intention to discuss or vote on a request to ask me to resign, or I would have stayed to address it at that time. I have still not received a written reason for the vote, only a call from the Judge Executive notifying me of the request for my resignation which I respectfully declined.
 |
| See the Aug. 28, 2025 edition of The Crittenden Press for more details |
The atmosphere that Kentucky’s jails operate in today is much different than it was 4 to 5 years ago. The number of State Inmates has dropped dramatically while operational costs have risen at an unprecedented rate. Crittenden County Detention Center is also fighting the water crisis that Marion, Kentucky is currently addressing, ironically starting the week, I won the primary election. This adds another layer to the financial strain the Detention Center now faces.
The Crittenden County Detention Center was built in 2007. The structure and equipment such as HVAC, locks, fire suppression systems, hot water heaters, kitchen equipment, etc. are aging, therefore causing maintenance costs to rise along with efficiency problems. The water crisis has added to those woes, by putting a strain on the plumbing and other operational systems due to debris in the water.
During the time that I have been Jailer, the jail has been run efficiently, with as little cost to the county as possible. The Jail provides a service that is required by statute, and we are bound to safely and securely incarcerate inmates in a manner that is moral and ethical while providing all life sustaining services. The Crittenden County Detention Center is a leader in the field of Corrections. The fact that you don’t hear much about the jail is a sign of efficiency and cost-effective operation.
I have obtained a grant for new washers and dryers for the facility. I have reached out to the KY DOC to receive surplus inmate uniforms and equipment that has saved the county thousands of dollars. I have obtained a grant for video equipment and software that has allowed for the virtual court appearances of prisoners here and across the state which has saved countless tax dollars on transport costs, while enhancing the security of the court proceedings. I have also reduced the number of staff at the Detention Center cutting as much as possible to payroll without jeopardizing safety and service. Staff have taken on additional duties with very little complaint as they are aware of the need to reduce costs.
I have increased the number of work sites for inmate labor to include the City of Marion, The Marion Water Department, Marion Convenience Center, Victory Garden, Mowing Crew and litter abatement. I have also started the Crittenden Cares Program that has helped with multiple non-profit, city, and county projects that can be completed during the fall and winter months which has helped those agencies save resources that they would have had to spend on labor.
I am an active member of the Kentucky Jailers Association and have been elected by my peers, for the past 2 years, to serve on the KJA Board of Directors. I believe it is important to be at the table discussing the best interests of all Kentucky Jails and representing Crittenden County on a State level while learning from other Jailers and building relationships that I can call on during times of need.
I have repaired the relationship with local law enforcement and the Circuit Clerks Office which was badly damaged when I took office. I have worked as a team player assisting as many agencies as possible every time they call.
We have a great Jail that this county should be proud of. We have a Jail that enriches the community by more than financial gain. We help to change the lives of inmates and their families through effective incarceration.
I don’t work for the County Judge Executive or the Fiscal Court. I work for the people of Crittenden County who elected me to this office. I stand by my record and believe I have effectively done the job the people have elected me to do and that will continue.
I will not be intimidated by political attacks, especially those that are unfounded. I have done and will continue to do the job I was elected to do and distractions such as this will not deter my effective discharge of my legal and Constitutional office. I would suggest that the Fiscal Court and County Judge Executive focus on making life better for our citizens, instead of wasting time playing politics.
I am willing to answer any question any citizen, or the media asks. My door is always open as it has been the entire time that I have been your Crittenden County Jailer.
I want to give my most sincere thanks to everyone who has reached out to support me and to encourage me to stand up to the attempt at intimidation. The community response has been humbling and so appreciated. The support that has been extended to me from the Kentucky Jailers Association and the many Jailers across the State has been amazing.
In closing I want to say that being elected as Crittenden County Jailer has been one of the highlights of my life. It is not an easy job. It is a calling. I am proud of the job I do, and I will continue to do it for as long as the Citizens of Crittenden County will have me.
Sincerely, Athena Hayes, Jailer
No comments:
Post a Comment