3 companies apply to provide local probation services

                Franklin County commissioners on Tuesday opened qualifications from companies who would like to provide local probation services – the current provider did not submit a proposal.

That work is currently handled by a private company call Florida Probation Services – they have operated locally since 2011.

The company collects payments from people on probation and monitors community service hours; it was the center of some controversy a few years ago after one of its employees was convicted of stealing over 200 thousand dollars in Franklin County probation payments.

The contract between Franklin County and Florida Probation Services ends on March 16^th though it did allow for annual renewals for up to three years.

County commissioners decided to see whether any other companies can offer the county a better deal.

The three companies that applied for the work are Panhandle Probation Services out of Panama City, East Coast Court Services out of Crawfordville and Professional Probation Services from Norcross, Georgia.

A three person committee will study the proposals and make a recommendation to the county commission.

The new company will also require the approval of the county judge. 

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