Bartholomew County spending $61k on new jail washing machines

The Bartholomew County Jail had to purchase new washing machines at a cost of more than $61,000.

Chief Deputy John Martoccia asked the county commissioners this week to ratify an emergency expenditure to replace the three industrial washing machines at the jail. He said that all but one of the industrial washers at the jail have failed. That comes after they ran six days a week for about 18 years since they were installed.

The one remaining washer needs a new motor which would cost about $5,000, he said.

Even getting the machines into the jail will be a challenge and require a crane and the removal of air handling equipment.

Commissioners approved the request at their meeting Monday.