County adopts gain‑time policy for jail: 5 days a month plus extra for outdoor trustees

The Suwannee County Commission on Sept. 16 adopted a resolution establishing a jail gain‑time policy that awards up to 5 days of credit per month to eligible inmates and authorizes the sheriff to recommend an additional 5 days per month for inmates serving as outdoor trustees.

County Attorney Derek Morrison told the commission that state law reserves authority over gain time to the board. “Only the Board of County Commissioners can award gain time,” Morrison said, explaining the county needed an explicit board policy. Morrison proposed a baseline award of five days per month for eligible inmates, with an extra five days available as a sheriff‑recommended incentive for meritorious conduct or for trustee duties such as outdoor work crews.

Members of the sheriff’s office described how local practice historically tracked Department of Corrections standards. A deputy told the board that DOC has used a 10‑day standard for certain programs and that trustee incentives have been a practical tool to staff work crews. The resolution adopted by the board implements the 5‑day statutory cap for ordinary county jail sentences and authorizes the sheriff to recommend the additional trustee credit described in the policy.

The board approved the resolution by a 5–0 vote; the policy now provides a uniform county practice so jail staff can administer gain time in compliance with state law. The resolution also asks the sheriff to implement administrative procedures for use and forfeiture of gain time and to maintain records for judicial or public review.