City manager outlines plan to reopen local jail after sheriff signals intent to stop operating it Sept. 1

City Manager Chris Lagerbloom told a council work session the Fulton County sheriff has indicated an intent to stop operating the local Alpharetta jail effective Sept. 1, and he presented staff analysis of what it would take for the city to reopen and operate the 72-bed facility.

"We're here because the sheriff has indicated his intent to stop operating our jail effective September 1," Lagerbloom said. He described the jail as able to house both men and women, capably but tightly at 72 beds, and said the building needs some repairs and upgrades before reopening. The city manager said staff have evaluated facility condition, operational needs and revenue options and built a conservative budget that estimates annual operating costs between $3.3 million and $3.6 million. Lagerbloom said those operating costs could run a projected $800,000 to $1 million in the red in an initial year but that the deficit could be reduced over time with enterprise-style revenue streams and regional customer agreements.

Lagerbloom said staff assume a staffing model of about 23 full-time equivalents for daily operation and proposed charging a daily bed rate of $95 in the model. He said some revenue sources are available but that certain statutory surcharges would require state changes to be retained locally; he also described operational options including inmate tablets, telephone fees, and other monetized services to help offset operating costs. Council members asked for additional information on funding sources, staffing and training, medical and mental-health services, and the alternative of relying on neighboring jails. Several council members expressed support for continuing detailed study and preparing a side-by-side budget for running the facility solely for the city versus as a regional facility; Lagerbloom said staff could have the jail ready to reopen in roughly 60 days if the council directs moving forward.