Oro Valley To Expand Its Community Betterment Program

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ORO VALLEY, Ariz. (August 31, 2012) - On July 18, 2012, the Town of Oro Valley entered into an intergovernmental agreement (IGA) with the Arizona Department of Corrections for the implementation of an inmate labor program for the maintenance of road-side and drainage vegetation.

The program utilizes a labor force of "low-risk, minimum-custody” inmates who have not been convicted of any sex offenses and typically have little time remaining until their release. These inmates have demonstrated excellent behavior, and they form a highly-motivated workforce and are assigned to skill-appropriate tasks. It has been successfully implemented in dozens of towns and cities across Arizona.

The inmate labor force will not be taking jobs away from other citizens. Crews will perform work that would otherwise not be completed, due to staffing levels or budgetary restrictions.

Oro Valley’s decision to participate came after a pilot program in which inmate labor crews were utilized to remove vegetation from Steam Pump Ranch and Mutter’s Wash.

“This is a great opportunity to maintain our community’s high standards for aesthetic beauty at very little cost,” said Town Manager Greg Caton. “Based on the success of our pilot program, we look forward to continuing this partnership with the Arizona Department of Corrections.”

Inmate labor crews will work Monday through Friday, and will be paid 50 cents an hour. They begin work in Oro Valley on September 17, 2012. (Source: Oro Valley press release dated 8/31/12)
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