Amador County – The Ione City Council on Tuesday approved a letter of support for Preston Youth Correctional Facility as rumors came out this week that it could be among facilities consider for closing.

Preston Board Member Bob Conrad told the council “it’s just a rumor at this point.” City Manager Kim Kerr said the rumors say the facility is “on the chopping block to be closed,” and they expect to “have an official announcement” this week or next week.

Councilman Lee Ard said rumors say that layoffs are coming and Preston could “shut down towards the end of the fiscal year.” Conrad asked for support for Preston, which also gives to the community. He said it gave $18,000 to Howard Park and raised close to $50,000 just from its golf tournament.

One counselor said Preston has close to 400 employees now. Kerr said that is down from 530 employees last year.

Dominic Atlan of Castle Oaks expressed support, and Gary Thomas said Preston is probably 80 percent along in meeting new court mandates, which “might be an interesting point of view” in comparing it with other facilities.

Kerr said a support letter signed by Mayor Skip Schaufel will be sent to the governor and state candidates. Schaufel said Supervisors approved a letter Tuesday “requesting public hearings before it happens.”

Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.