A Newton resident asked Harvey County officials whether Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detainees take priority in the county detention center and whether the county is reimbursed when it holds federal detainees.

Kathy Anderson said she had tried to find information online and by email and asked, "Do we prioritize federal over county, and do we get reimbursed?" Commissioner staff and county administrators responded that local charges take precedence.

County staff said if an individual is arrested on local charges the county will process those charges first; ICE typically appears within 48 hours to assume custody when applicable. County Administrator Kevin told the meeting that ICE "will be here within 48 hours, and they do not reimburse us for that short period of time."

Commission discussion and staff remarks also addressed medical and EMS billing for inmates. Commissioners reviewed warrant checks and an invoice list that included a $16,000 hospital charge for an inmate transported to Wesley (listed as the Medicaid rate) and a $500 EMS charge from Newton. County counsel and staff explained the county may bill for medical costs or pursue a judgment against individuals, but collecting those amounts is often unsuccessful when inmates lack insurance or recoverable assets.

Sheriff staff monitoring the meeting confirmed the $16,000 charge will not be reimbursed. County staff said EMS and hospital providers bill the county for inmate transports and treatment, and while the county can seek reimbursement from other jurisdictions or attempt collection, in many cases the charges become a loss.

The commission approved warrant checks for July 1 that included the healthcare and EMS charges; the motion to approve the checks, totaling $254,691.89, passed by voice vote.