Sheriff Oscar Rivera warned the San Patricio County Commissioners Court on Tuesday that the county jail is over capacity and that officials are pursuing interlocal agreements with neighboring counties to relieve pressure.

Rivera said the jail’s normal capacity is 230 but that “this morning, we’re 270,” and that the county has been trying to move inmates to other counties. He told the court the county has identified 66 convicted felons who have not yet been transferred, and 18 parolees awaiting hearings, and that staff have moved 31 inmates so far to other counties.

“These 66 bills are something that were having a problem with,” Rivera said, adding that some counties accepting transfers are as far as six hours away. Rivera estimated the county is paying roughly $70,000 a month to house the 31 inmates that were transferred and suggested moving more would raise that monthly cost toward $100,000.

Why it matters: County officials said the population pressure affects operations, court schedules and budgets. Commissioners approved interlocal agreements intended to secure temporary housing for inmates while the county pursues longer-term solutions.

What happened: The court voted to approve interlocal agreements for inmate housing and services with Aransas County, Burnet County, Comanche County and Refugio County. The record shows the court discussed adding Zavala County but the paperwork was not ready; Zavala was listed as pending. The motion carried.

Discussion and context: Rivera described efforts to contact more than 35 agencies to find space and said that the county has negotiated memoranda of understanding to move inmates. He noted the operational burdens of holding parolees in the county jail while they await state hearings, including medical care and other services. County Judge David Krebs advised the court that this is not an attempt to immediately build a new jail, saying, “this is not a a pitch to try to buy a new jail, try to build a new jail,” while acknowledging the county must “do something” to address the situation.

Formal action: The court approved the interlocal agreements with the four named counties; Zavala County was referenced as an intended amendment but not included at the time of approval. The action was recorded as approved by the court.

Next steps: Commissioners and sheriffs staff said they will continue to finalize interlocal contracts and ratify additional agreements at future meetings. Rivera and staff will continue to negotiate transfer capacity with partner counties and the state.