The Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction and the Department of Youth Services have asked the Ohio Controlling Boardfor 1.8 million dollars to help facilitate their merger of back-office functions like payroll.
The money would be used to rent office space in Columbus starting next year. The rent the agencies pay then increases considerably, which is drawing criticism from a youth advocate group. The agencies now pay a combined annual rent of 1.7 million dollars, which would increase 2.4 million. The Juvenile Justice Coalition says the extra money could pay for programs to decrease the number of kids entering the justice system. The agencies hope to improve efficiency and boost collaboration.