County prohibits inmates from cleanup detail at fairgrounds

By GRACE MILLER
Daily Press Staff Writer
The Eddy County Commission ruled Tuesday that the use of inmates from the Eddy County Detention Center for cleanup at the county fair – a practice that has been in place for nearly 20 years – would not be allowed this year due to a potential violation of the state’s anti-donation law that prevents inmates from performing services on non-county properties.
The policy change came to the attention of the Fair Board after organizers of this weekend’s Smokin’ on the Pecos State BBQ Championship requested inmate assistance for cleanup and were informed by County Manager Allen Sartin that inmates may only work on those areas of the fairgrounds that are county property. Those include the Community Building and the Artesia Horse Council Arena. … For the rest of the story, subscribe in print and on the web.