Commissioners sign letter backing extra secure-care beds at regional juvenile detention center

Montgomery County commissioners voted to sign a letter of support asking the state to fund additional secure-care beds at the Southeast Kansas Regional Juvenile Detention Center in Girard. County leaders said the regional facility houses juvenile offenders for multiple counties and that state support for secure-care beds could reduce the county's share of operating costs.

Why it matters

The county is a member of a multi-county consortium that pays monthly fees to the regional detention center. Commissioners and staff said the center sometimes houses children who need secure, short-term placements outside the home; additional state-funded secure-care capacity could shift some costs away from local county assessments.

Board action

A motion to sign the letter of support passed unanimously. Commissioners instructed staff to provide signed copies quickly to the region's representative for delivery to state officials.

Background and context

County officials said the regional center's funding model and the state approval process are in flux; other counties in the region have pursued similar requests. The presenter asked commissioners to sign and to note the district number they represent on the letter so regional partners can deliver a complete packet to state decision-makers.

Speakers

Commissioner Klubine moved and Commissioner Beaver seconded the motion; the board approved the letter and asked staff to get signed copies to the consortium contact for submission to the state.

Provenance

This article draws on the presentation and the recorded board motion and vote during the meeting minutes.