Commissioner proposes $2500 minimum fee for juvenile justice center consortium members

In a recent Finney County Commission meeting, discussions turned to the financial sustainability of juvenile justice services, highlighting the need for a new fee structure to support ongoing maintenance and operations. As the meeting unfolded, commissioners explored the idea of implementing a fee akin to a homeowners association (HOA) charge for counties participating in the juvenile justice consortium.

The proposal suggests a minimum contribution of $2,500 per county, aimed at ensuring that those who utilize the services contribute fairly to the costs associated with maintaining the facilities. This fee structure would differentiate between participating and non-participating counties, with the latter facing higher rates for services. The rationale behind this approach is to recognize the costs incurred by the consortium in providing essential services, particularly as the region is home to the only juvenile justice center in the far western part of the state.

Commissioners noted the importance of maintaining a balance between serving consortium members and accommodating outside counties, as there are only nine juvenile justice centers statewide. The discussion also touched on the need to reserve bed days for member counties, which can limit availability for others.

As the meeting concluded, it was clear that further research and potential amendments to the consortium's bylaws would be necessary to implement these changes effectively. The commissioners expressed a commitment to ensuring that the juvenile justice system remains robust and accessible, while also addressing the financial realities of operating such vital services.