Board approves jail food service contract amendment amid inmate increase

The Caswell County Board of Commissioners has approved an amendment to the food service contract for the county jail, which will see meal costs increase by an estimated $10,000 starting January 1, 2025. This decision comes as part of a routine adjustment tied to the consumer price index, reflecting ongoing inflationary pressures.

During the meeting, Miss Pasco highlighted that the initial food service agreement was established in February 2020, and the annual cost adjustments are necessary to keep pace with rising expenses. The board acknowledged that the increase could strain the jail's budget, especially given the rising number of inmates, which also contributes to higher food costs.

Commissioner Bryce raised concerns about whether the jail budget accounts for maximum capacity, to which it was clarified that jails typically operate below full capacity to avoid operational challenges. The board ultimately agreed that the projected increase, while significant, was manageable within their financial framework.

The motion to approve the contract amendment was passed unanimously, ensuring that the jail can continue to provide necessary meals to its inmates without interruption. This decision underscores the ongoing challenges faced by local governments in managing budgets amid rising costs and fluctuating inmate populations.