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Jim Wells County leaders flag jail overcrowding, sheriff seeks staff and pay changes
Summary
County officials told the commissioners court on Sept. 3 that the county jail is operating well above capacity, driving housing and overtime costs. Sheriff Joseph Guy Baker requested two deputies, a restructured jail leadership post and other pay adjustments; county leaders discussed temporary budget reserves to cover inmate housing costs.
County leaders told the Jim Wells County Commissioners Court during a Sept. 3 budget workshop that the county jail is operating well beyond capacity and that the shortfall is increasing costs and staff overtime.
County Sheriff Joseph Guy Baker, speaking to the court by name, said the sheriff's Office is "the keeper of the jail" and does not set personal-recognizance bonds or release detainees. He said staffing shortages are severe: "By the end of today, it'll be probably less than half of the jail staff," and many jail employees are leaving for higher pay with private transport companies and other agencies. Baker asked the court for two additional deputies to help with violent-crime response and daily transports, and for a new jail-administrator position with a proposed salary of $65,000, plus a lieutenant position at $50,000 to create career…
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