Inmate Settlement And Grant Talks On Tap For Council

What to watch at today's county council meeting.

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DeLand, FL - Here's a brief rundown of what News Daytona Beach is watching for at today's Volusia County Council Meeting.

Inmate Settlement

According to today's agenda, the council will discuss a settlement involving an inmate at Volusia County Jail, who was allegedly hurt while under the county's care.

The summary says that inmate Shane Kozlowski was assigned a low bunk during booking due to an undisclosed health issue. However, he was reassigned to an upper bunk two days later. Due to the health issue, Kozlowski fell from the bunk and suffered a 12 cm cut to his forehead, which accrued $11,103 in medical costs.

Through counsel, Kozlowski agreed to settle his claim for a total of $25,000. The agenda item says that the staff recommends settlement.

The issue was brought up briefly on last night's edition of the Marc Bernier Show with District 3 Council Member and County Chair candidate Deb Denys.

Bernier brought up the issue because he felt that the situation highlighted an example of "incompetence" in the handling of county services.

Bernier: The county settles a lot of lawsuits because of stupidness. This is an example where somebody was just stupid that they put this guy in the wrong place... They never punish people. They never disappear, they never get fired. We pay claims and people go merrily along.  In my opinion as a taxpayer, I would want to know who authorized this guy to be put in this bunk so he would fall out and hurt himself, because that person should be fired. It cost the county money!

Watch for News Daytona Beach's wrap-up featuring highlights from Marc's interview with  Councilwoman Deb Denys.

Grant Up For Discussion

Also on tap for the county is a grant that's sought by the Volusia Sheriff's Office. The grant is funded from the Victims of Crime Act, which is offered by the Florida Attorney General's Office.

VSO has operated this program since 2001, which allows for 24/7 support for crime victims. The award will include operating expenses and salaries for two victim advocate positions. Approval for the grant was recommended by staff.

Public comments begin at 9:30 this morning (February 4th). The meeting starts at 10 a.m.