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Commissioner Eggert noted that when this was brought up at Alcohol Drug Abuse and Mental Health, she had believed that most of the operating funds would come from the State. However, she had to confess that she did not take the next step that evening and think about the matching county funds. Commissioner Wheeler figured it would cost $20,000-$25,000 per bed per year to operate the facility, and pointed out that is the same cost as keeping someone in jail for a year. Chairman Scurlock and Commissioner Wheeler wanted to see some statistics about the repeat rates of drug rehabilitation programs compared to the repeat rates on jails. Mr. Mills offered to get the figures and come back. Commissioner Wheeler wanted to see us support the program that works, and was not convinced this was program. Perhaps the money should go towards putting drug offenders in jail. Commissioner Bowman pointed out that recent legislation allows judges to assess double the fine currently authorized for defendants convicted of either felony or misdemeanor drug charges. These fines would.go-into a local drug abuse prevention and treatment trust fund to be administered by the County Commission.- She felt this should be studied to find out how much this would bring in during a year's time. Commissioner Eggert wanted to see the payments spread over 3 years, instead of 2 years as mentioned in the above memo. Lengthy discussion ensued regarding possible sources for operating expenses, and Commissioner Bird felt the Commission's feeling is that we would consider committing to buy the facilities if there is a commitment from the State to help fund the operation of the facilities. Mr. Mills believed the best thing they could get, and that would be in a matter of months, is some kind of personal commitment from the Legislative Delegation to work on our behalf to get the funding for these programs from the State Legislature. L 7 BOOK 73 F,Au.213 l