Commissioners adopt $1.05 housing cost resolution despite KDOC disagreement

During the Geary County meeting held on May 5, 2025, discussions centered around the financial challenges faced by the county, particularly regarding the costs associated with housing inmates. The meeting highlighted a significant disagreement between local authorities and the Kansas Department of Corrections (KDOC) over the reimbursement rates for housing inmates, which has implications for the county's budget and taxpayer expenses.

A key point of contention was the proposed cost per inmate. Local officials argued that the actual cost to house an inmate is $1.40, while KDOC has only agreed to reimburse $1.07. This discrepancy has raised concerns about the county's ability to cover its expenses without placing additional financial burdens on taxpayers. One official expressed frustration, stating, "We can't make money, but we can charge what it costs us to house," emphasizing the need for a fair reimbursement rate to avoid operating at a loss.

The discussion also touched on the potential for litigation against KDOC to challenge the reimbursement rate. Officials noted that recent court rulings have favored local jurisdictions in similar disputes, allowing them to charge for various costs associated with inmate housing, including salaries and maintenance fees. However, the prospect of litigation was met with caution, as officials weighed the risks and benefits of pursuing this route.

Ultimately, the meeting concluded with a motion to adopt a resolution to set the reimbursement rate at $1.05, which was seen as a compromise to maintain consistency across agencies, despite acknowledging that this rate would not alleviate the county's financial struggles. The decision reflects a broader trend of local governments grappling with budget constraints while striving to provide essential services to their communities.

In addition to the inmate housing discussion, public comments during the meeting emphasized the importance of property taxes as a means to fund public services. A resident highlighted that taxpayers expect quality services in return for their contributions, underscoring the need for effective budget management as the county prepares for the upcoming fiscal year.

As Geary County navigates these financial challenges, the implications of the reimbursement rate dispute and the ongoing budget discussions will likely continue to shape the county's fiscal landscape and its ability to serve its residents effectively.