Arnold and Detention Maj. Guy Goff trimmed the budget by eliminating non-nutritional items saving:

• Coffee, creamer and sugar: $26,000

• Kool-Aid: $25,805.15

Condiments such as jelly, mustard, mayonnaise, ketchup and salt and pepper: $23,293.

Also, they saved by substituting different types of food. For example, switching from canned or whole fruit to applesauce will save another $13,000, substituting the rising cost of bacon to fried bologna for breakfast will save another $13,468 and using bread instead of hot dog and hamburger buns saved another $10,000.

Cost reductions show it costs 90 cents a meal for the inmates or less than $3 a day.

The changes comply with the minimum standards by the Tennessee Correctional Institute. Dietary guidelines require three servings of two to three ounces of meat and protein daily. Eggs and beans are considered proteins.

“We have to feed working inmates three meals per day with no more than a 14-hour interval,” Arnold said. “Nowhere in the guidelines do we have to offer coffee. Coffee is a want, not a need.”

More than 700 inmates are now in custody at the detention center. Family members and friends may contribute to a commissary fund allowing inmates to buy any of the items eliminated. For example, inmates may buy coffee, sugar and creamer from the commissary fund.

More cuts are expected. For example, bids are due in December to provide 185 loaves of bread per day for the inmates who are served six pieces of bread daily.

“We are looking to save as much as we can on bread,” Arnold said. “We are willing to partner with private business and restaurants to get a reduced price in the future.”

Arnold and Goff will consider other savings such as serving only two meals per day for non-working inmates as allowed by state guidelines.

“We have good, nutritious meals,” Arnold said. “The food service employees prepare meals within the dietary guidelines and budget.”

The staff is looking at other ways to save taxpayers’ dollars. People may call or e-mail with their ideas.

“I take this budget seriously,” Arnold said. “I treat it like it’s coming out of my pocket. We want to save every penny we can for the hardworking taxpayers of Rutherford County to be fiscally responsible.”