The Warren County Board of Supervisors approved the signing of a new contract with Dr. Jonathan Flowers to provide medical care at the Warren County Jail. The approval took place at Monday’s voting session.

Warren County Sheriff Martin Pace addressed the board to recommend the signing of the contract.

“(Flowers will) provide consultation, diagnostic, and referral services at the request of the nurse of the county,” Pace said.

The county currently employs a full-time registered nurse who will work alongside Flowers. Pace said the new doctor will be able to come to the jail and perform examinations on site.

The current doctor under contract with the board is Dr. Bob Ford, who is retiring December 31 after 19 years in the position.

Pace also said the agreement will allow either side to cancel the contract within 30 days.

“And this is for $1,800 a month, which by the way is considerably less than the contract that we just came out of,” Pace said.

Flowers, who is a practicing physician in Vicksburg, will also be responsible for disposing of hazardous medical waste and will carry his own malpractice insurance.

“Not only does having a doctor under contract and a full-time registered nurse provide excellent medical service for the inmates that we’re responsible for, but it also saves the taxpayers countless dollars by saving trips to the emergency room every time there’s a minor illness or something like that,” Pace said.