County Sheriff proposes $44K cut to jail food budget amid operational adjustments

The Albany County Commissioners held a budget work session on June 4, 2025, focusing on proposed cuts and adjustments to the county's operational budget, particularly concerning the jail's expenses.

One significant proposal discussed was a $44,000 reduction in the food budget for inmates at the county jail. This cut aims to maintain three meals a day for inmates while reducing costs to the minimum required standards. The adjustments will alter the quality and type of food served but are not expected to impact overall services provided by the jail.

Another critical topic was the jail's medical expenses, which have seen a proposed budget increase to $850,000 due to an upcoming bidding process for medical services. The exact costs remain uncertain until bids are received later in July. Additionally, a $20,000 line item was included to cover pharmacy expenses, which may exceed the current contract limits depending on the medical needs of inmates.

The meeting also highlighted ongoing legal disputes regarding medical billing responsibilities between the county and Ivinson Memorial Hospital. The hospital claims the county owes approximately $760,000 for medical services provided to inmates, a matter currently pending in court. The county maintains that it is not responsible for costs incurred unless they result from incidents involving law enforcement.

The session concluded with discussions about the jail's medical screening processes for incoming inmates, emphasizing the facility's limitations in handling severe medical conditions. The county is statutorily required to provide care for inmates, which includes a thorough screening process to determine their medical needs upon intake.

Overall, the budget work session underscored the county's efforts to manage expenses while ensuring compliance with legal and operational requirements in the detention center. Further discussions and decisions are expected as the budget process continues.