The possibility of what could happen if the state stops accepting inmates from the Schuylkill County Prison was discussed at the prison board meeting Wednesday.

“We have two appointment dates right now that they have given us that we can send inmates,” Warden David Wapinsky said.

He said the prison is able to send some prisoners who have been sentenced to state prison, but not all who need to go. Appointments are made for classification at the SCI Camp Hill. According to the cor.pa.gov website, all male prisoners must be seen at the prison. The classification system can take up to four months to complete, according to the website.

“Once that second date has come and gone, we do not have another date after that. They have stopped. We were not given an explanation why,” Wapinsky said.

The last appointment is within the next two months, he said.

Commissioner George Halcovage Jr. and District Attorney Michael O’Pake said that could have ramifications for the prison.

Halcovage mentioned talking to President Judge William E. Baldwin that the commissioners could send a letter to the legislative delegation, Gov. Tom Wolf and the Secretary John Wetzel.

“It’s important for the safety and also not only the inmates. It’s important for the safety of our correctional officers that as numbers get up that there could be more chances of problems occurring just because of the overcrowding situation,” Halcovage said.

On Wednesday 243 inmates were housed in the prison. Of those, 194 are male and 49 female. Some inmates are triple-celled due to COVID-19 protocol. A total of 42 inmates were outsourced: 32 in Centre County, six in Columbia County and four in Northumberland County.

Wapinsky isn’t against sending a letter if it gets to that point. He has reason to believe the situation will resolve itself. O’Pake asked if the state could parole inmates if needed at the prison.

The warden said the state hasn’t done a parole at the county prison in at least 10 to 15 years.

“That could happen. Absolutely,” he said.

The prison board recommended a contract renewal with the medical provider at the prison. The contract expired April 30.

“Are we happy with PrimeCare?” County Administrator Gary Bender said.

“We are very happy with PrimeCare. We have a very good relationship with them,” Wapinsky said.

He said they are available 24 hours a day. Bender said commissioners will review financial details and likely have the contract for approval at the next meeting.