In response to the needs of the warden the Schuylkill County Prison Board hired a correctional officer and a maintenance man in action taken at its monthly meeting held Wednesday at the courthouse in Pottsville.

Warden Eugene Berdanier, in his report to the board, claimed four vacancies exists at the prison, two correctional officers, one lieutenant and one maintenance position. He also reported currently there is one officer and one program secretary on extended medical leave and one officer on restricted duty.Also, Correctional Officer Steven Mroczka submitted his resignation as he has accepted a position in the federal prison near Minersville. He had been a correctional officer four years.Following an executive session the board hired Joseph Richmond, Frackville, as a correctional officer, and William Jeffrey Bruce, Pottsville, as a maintenance man.Berdanier's also reported revenue for the past month was $11,484.12, including $2,237.52 for room and board by inmates on work released, $5,158.60 from inmate phone commission, and $5,158.60 from inmate commissary commission.The expenditures totaled $277,870.03, including $172,2541.19 in salaries, $33,781.75 in overtime, $13,900.23 for groceries, $52,175.38 for professional services providing health benefits, and $4,311.34 for a maintenance agreement.The warden also reported installation of three "green" toilets has saved 78.12 gallons a day and $2,343 gallons per month in water costs. More "green" toilets will be installed as needed.Other businessProposals have been put out to replace the roof unit which controls the classroom, repairs made to the air conditioner on the roof and final adjustments are being made on surveillance cameras. The current prison population has 207 males and 74 females.The report of PrimeCare Medical Inc., which supervisors the health program at the prison, showed 110 were on sick call, 73 were seen by psychiatrists, 33 by dentists, and 19 were under suicide watch.Probation Officer Joseph F. Huth, who serves as work release coordinator, reported all work release beds were filled throughout the month, and 10 inmates participated in the Vocational Rehabilitation Program. The monthly revenue for January was $4,088 for room and board and $1,880 toward their costs and fines.Stephanie Rice, who serves individuals who are released from prison, reported the re-entry grant is winding down. Funds came from the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency, and recently the county commissioners, have provided additional funds. The program offers life skills to both male and female prisoners.The meeting was chaired by President Judge William E. Baldwin.