County Sheriff proposes 2026 budget increase for inmate transport and vehicle upgrades

During the recent Linn County Kansas Live Stream Budget Workshop, officials discussed the proposed budget for 2026, which totals $4,732,566. This budget reflects an increase of 11.86% from the previous year, primarily driven by rising costs associated with inmate transportation and supplies.

A significant portion of the budget is allocated for inmate transportation, which has averaged between $2,500 and $3,500 per contract. Officials noted that they typically handle about four to five transport cases annually, with the most recent transport from Florida costing approximately $3,000. The budget for inmate supplies remains steady at $25,000, supported by a commissary fund that assists with providing essential items for inmates.

Inflation has also impacted the overall budget, particularly in areas such as jail food supplies and law enforcement equipment, leading to an increase in the commodities budget from $602,000 to $664,075.

Another key discussion point was the capital outlay for the sheriff's office, which is set to increase from $152,000 in 2025 to $175,000 in 2026. This funding will be used to purchase 12 new vehicles, aimed at modernizing the aging fleet. The new vehicles are expected to be more fuel-efficient and come with factory warranties, ensuring reliability for law enforcement operations.

Importantly, the budget includes a $50,000 allocation for the U.S. Marshals Service Transport, which will be fully reimbursed, meaning it will not burden local taxpayers. The actual amount generated from taxes for the budget request is $4,682,566.

As the county prepares for the upcoming fiscal year, these budget discussions highlight the ongoing efforts to manage costs while ensuring essential services remain effective and responsive to community needs.